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Colin Munro Retires from International Cricket

Veteran Batsman Colin Munro Calls Time on Career After Missing Out on T20 World Cup Squad

Despite not playing international cricket for New Zealand since 2020, 37-year-old Colin Munro had expressed his continued availability for selection. He even hoped for a return based on his strong performances in franchise T20 leagues.

• World Cup Omission Prompts Retirement Decision

However, after being overlooked for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, Colin Munro has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. While New Zealand coach Gavin Stead acknowledged Munro’s candidacy during selection discussions, ultimately there wasn’t space for the veteran player in the final squad.

A Remarkable International Career for Colin Munro

While Colin Munro’s international career ended on a non-playing note, his record speaks for itself. He amassed a total of 123 caps across all formats, including one Test, 57 ODIs, and 65 T20Is.

• Dominating the Shortest Format

Colin Munro particularly excelled in T20 cricket, pioneering a new aggressive batting style that emphasized powerful hitting around the wicket. This approach, now widely adopted, solidified his place as a true innovator of the modern game.

A Career Highlighted by T20 Exploits

Munro’s 123-match international career, spanning Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, was undeniably marked by his brilliance in the shortest format.

• Pioneering a New Era: Colin Munro emerged as a vanguard of a new aggressive batting style in T20s. His approach, characterized by powerful 360-degree hitting, has become the norm in the modern game. He wasn’t just a player; he was an innovator who redefined how T20 cricket is played.
• Record-Breaking Prowess: Munro’s dominance in T20s is further cemented by his record-breaking feats:
  • Fastest T20 Hundred for New Zealand: His blistering 47-ball century against West Indies in 2018 stood as the fastest for New Zealand at the time.
  • Fastest Fifty for New Zealand: His remarkable 14-ball fifty against Sri Lanka remains the fastest for the Black Caps and the fourth fastest in T20I history.
• Beyond the Records: Colin Munro’s impact goes beyond mere statistics. He was a consistent force in New Zealand’s T20 batting lineup, providing explosive starts and crucial middle-order impetus. His fearless batting and ability to take calculated risks instilled fear in oppositions and inspired a generation of young cricketers.

A Legacy of Innovation

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink praised Colin Munro’s groundbreaking contributions:

“Colin was one of our first players to embrace the aggressive, 360-degree style batting that is now accepted all around the world as best practice… He was one of the pioneers of the new game, an innovative batsman who took calculated risk-taking to a new level, and led what was to become a revolution in the way short-form cricket was played.”

Moving Forward

While his international career has come to an end, Colin Munro intends to continue playing franchise cricket. He expressed immense pride in representing the Black Caps for 123 matches and cherishes the memories of wearing the New Zealand jersey.

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