The Sharjah Warriorz added New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee to their ranks for the DP World ILT20 Season 3 Series.
Southee who has played in four ODI World Cups and six T20 World Cups will captain the Sharjah Warriorz in his debut at ILT20.
A quick-fire paceman and big low order batsman, Southee has represented New Zealand across formats.
The 36-year-old has featured in 10 IPL seasons in India for Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and has featured in The Hundred and the Vitality Blast in UK.
Speed and outswing are Southee’s two main weapons in the box, though over the years he has also been known to bowl cross-seams and off cutters. Southee’s technical finesse and well-hidden variations have made him famous around the world.
This 19-year-old New Zealander, who began playing international cricket in the first instance, had started with T20I cricket and then played his first ODI and Test matches for his country.
On his first T20I start against England, Southee took the first wicket of an international match against England, that of Paul Collingwood. In total, he has played 126 T20Is and has 164 wickets with economy of 8 and strike rate 16.7. This top-order batsman’s best T20I bowling stats are 5/18.
The Sharjah Warriorz think Southee’s experience and understanding of the game will strengthen the team for the ILT20 season.
ILT20 Season 3 starts from 11th January, Sharjah Warriorz’s match will be on 12th January, against Gujarat Giants.
“The Sharjah Warriorz have a great team, lots of big batsmen and smart and good bowlers. It will be great to captain and to surround myself with this young group of cricketers,” Southee said.
“My talks with the team management as well have been extremely productive so far and we’re sure to have a good season. I’m so glad to be joining the team and taking over.” – Matt.
Kshemal Waingankar, COO, Sharjah Warriorz, was over the moon to get the massively experienced Kiwi bowler in the fold.
“We are very happy to have Tim Southee aboard as captain of the Sharjah Warriorz team. The Work ethic and dedication he has to cricket is unmatched and the drive to continue playing on is in true Warrior vein,” said Waingankar.
“Southee not only reinforces, but also strengthens our squad for the next ILT20. We know his leadership with energy will usher in a new phase!””