New Zealand’s cricketing legend Tim Southee is set to lead the Sharjah Warriorz in the 2025 edition of the International League T20 (ILT20). This marks Southee’s debut in the tournament, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. Renowned for his ability to swing the ball and his hard-hitting lower-order batting, the 36-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having featured in four ODI World Cups, six T20 World Cups, and 10 IPL seasons.
Speaking about his new role, Southee expressed excitement, saying, “The Sharjah Warriorz have a fantastic squad, with plenty of hard-hitting batters and smart and skilful bowlers. It will be a really exciting time to captain such a talented bunch of cricketers.”
Southee’s cricketing journey began at 19 when he debuted for New Zealand in T20Is against England, claiming Paul Collingwood as his first international wicket. Over the years, he has amassed 164 wickets in 126 T20Is at an economy of eight and a strike rate of 16.7. Known for his lethal outswingers and variations like cross-seam deliveries and off-cutters, Southee’s accuracy has made him a standout pacer on the global stage.
In franchise cricket, Southee has showcased his skills in tournaments like the IPL, The Hundred, and the Blast. His IPL stint includes playing for top teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings, cementing his reputation as a dependable bowler and team player.
Having captained New Zealand across formats, Southee’s leadership qualities are well-established. As he takes charge of the Sharjah Warriorz, he aims to harness the team’s talent and guide them to a successful campaign. “My conversations with the team management have been fruitful, and we are confident of having a good season,” Southee said.
Sharjah Warriorz COO, Kshemal Waingankar, echoed this optimism, praising Southee’s dedication and leadership. “His work ethic and tenacity align perfectly with the Warrior spirit. We are confident his dynamic leadership will kick-start a new era for us,” Waingankar stated.
With a star-studded squad featuring explosive batters and skilled bowlers, the Sharjah Warriorz are poised for an exciting season. The team will begin their campaign on January 12, 2025, against Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium. As the ILT20 kicks off on January 11, fans can look forward to Southee leading the Warriorz with his trademark precision and passion.
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