New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell achieved a career milestone, while spinner Ish Sodhi continued his steady rise in the T20I record books during the third match against West Indies in Nelson.
Milestone moment for Mitchell
New Zealand’s dependable all-rounder Daryl Mitchell marked a major career feat on Sunday, crossing 6,000 international runs during the third T20I against West Indies in Nelson. Mitchell scored a quick-fire 41 off 24 balls, striking at over 170, with two fours and three sixes, guiding New Zealand to a competitive total of 177 for nine.
The 33-year-old, who has been one of New Zealand’s most consistent batters across formats, now has 6,032 runs in 176 matches, averaging 39.42 with 11 centuries and 34 half-centuries. His strongest record remains in ODIs, where he averages above 51, followed by Tests, in which he has five tons and a best of 190.
For context, Kane Williamson remains New Zealand’s all-time top run-scorer with over 19,000 international runs across formats, setting a high benchmark for the next generation of Kiwi batters.
Sodhi spins his way up the charts
While Mitchell shone with the bat, Ish Sodhi made headlines with the ball, moving to third place in the all-time T20I wicket-takers list. His three-wicket spell (3/34) not only powered New Zealand to victory but also took his tally to 156 wickets in 130 matches, surpassing Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman (155).
The only bowlers ahead of Sodhi in T20Is are Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (182) and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (168). Sodhi’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, as the West Indies, despite a late fightback from Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer, fell nine runs short of the 178-run target.
New Zealand now lead the five-match series 2–1, with the next clash set to take place in Wellington later this week.
