
New Zealand batter Colin Munro was tailor-made for T10 cricket. He batted at a strike rate of 156.44 in T20Is and was the first player to score three T20I centuries as well.
The swashbuckling opener is back again in the Abu Dhabi T10 to represent the Bangla Tigers and brings in tremendous experience of playing franchise cricket across the globe.
“I’ve played other franchise tournaments as well, like The Hundred and CPL. But the opportunity to come here and play in the Abu Dhabi T10 is a new experience,” Munro said in an exclusive interview.
Munro batted at No. 3 and No. 4 in the two matches he played this season for the Tigers, contrary to his usual opening position. However, the 35-year-old seems well prepared for the challenge.
“It’s a fast and dynamic tournament. You get 10 balls to do as much as you can. Batting can be a lot harder than some people imagine,” Munro explained.
“When I first started playing for Auckland and New Zealand, I did not open the innings. I was batting at number six and seven and after Brendon McCullum retired I batted at the top. I’ve played all the different roles from No. 1 to No. 7 so all I have to do is back my experience.”
The Bangla Tigers, just like the other teams in the tournament, are running on a tight schedule in this edition. With games coming in thick and fast, to keep oneself fit physically and mentally can be quite a challenge.
Munro, however, has a different solution to tackle fatigue during a long tournament.
“Secret is to not practice too much. You have to come into the tournament really ready,” said Munro with a smile on his face.
“The games are happening thick and fast so you don’t get a lot of time to train. T10 is all about preparing and planning well. Knowing your opponents, their strengths and weaknesses, planning accordingly – these are important things.”
The Bangla Tigers are currently ninth on the points table with two wins in five matches, but are still within touching distance of a semi-final berth.