NZ blaster Munro retires from internationals

AUCKLAND: Colin Munro, a South Africa-born power hitter who smashed a slew of batting records for New Zealand, has retired from international cricket after missing out on a spot in the Black Caps’ T20 World Cup squad.

The 37-year-old lefthander’s last international was a T20 match against India in 2020 -- but he had long hoped to claw his way back into the squad. “Although it has been a while since my last appearance, I never gave up hope that I might be able to return off the back of my franchise T20 form,” he said in a statement on Friday.

“With the announcement of the Black Caps squad for the T20 World Cup now is the perfect time to close that chapter officially.” Making his T20I debut against South Africa in 2012, Durban-born Munro played 122 white ball matches for New Zealand and a solitary test against the Proteas in 2013.