Ish Sodhi Out of T20I Series Against South Africa Due to Injury

Ish Sodhi, the veteran leg-spinner for New Zealand, has been ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa due to a broken thumb. This injury occurred during a practice session, requiring at least four weeks of rehabilitation. New Zealand's head coach expressed disappointment over the loss of such an experienced player. As the team prepares for the second T20I, they currently trail 1-0 in the series. The upcoming match will see Lockie Ferguson joining the squad, but no replacement for Sodhi will be made. South Africa's strong performance in the first match has set the stage for an exciting series ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 09:21 IST

Ish Sodhi's Injury Sidelines Him for T20I Series

Wellington [New Zealand], March 16: Ish Sodhi, the experienced leg-spinner from New Zealand, has been ruled out for the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa due to a broken thumb, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Monday.

The injury occurred during a practice session at Bay Oval on Saturday when he was struck on the thumb. Subsequent scans indicated a fracture that will necessitate a recovery period of at least four weeks.

New Zealand's head coach, Rob Walter, expressed his disappointment regarding Sodhi's situation.

Lockie Ferguson is set to join the team for the second and third matches in Hamilton and Auckland, but no replacement will be added to the squad for the upcoming match.

The second T20I is scheduled to take place at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, with South Africa currently leading the five-match series 1-0.

Walter noted, “Ish is deeply committed to representing New Zealand, and he was eager to play in front of home supporters following the World Cup. His extensive experience in T20 cricket will be sorely missed during the series. However, we are confident in our options with Lockie, Mitch (Santner), and Cole (McConchie) available for the next two matches before we adjust the squad for the final two games.”

In the first T20I, New Zealand struggled, getting bowled out for a mere 91 runs in just 14.3 overs, thanks to an impressive bowling performance from the South African team.

James Neesham was the top scorer for New Zealand, managing 26 runs off 21 balls, including two fours and a six. Other notable contributions came from captain Mitchell Santner (15 runs off 19 balls), Cole McConchie (15 runs off 11 balls), and Bevon Jacobs (10 runs off seven balls), but none could build on their starts.

South Africa showcased a dominant performance, with debutant Nqobani Mokoena taking three wickets for 26 runs. Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, and captain Keshav Maharaj each claimed two wickets, further dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup.

In response to New Zealand's total, wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen led the chase with an unbeaten 45 runs off 48 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes, as South Africa successfully chased down the target in 16.4 overs, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory with four matches still to play.