Best T20 figures

Avul Suppiah 3.4-0-6-5, Somerset v Glamorgan, Cardiff, 2011 Lasith Malinga 4-1-7-6, Melbourne Stars v Perth Scorchers, Perth, 2012 Phaphama Fojela 3-2-1-9-6, Border v Easterns, East London, 2014 Central Districts in the Ford Trophy match at Hamilton on Sunday.

Sodhi’s three-match stint — arranged through New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who was sounded out by former Australian fast bowler, and now rising coach, Jason Gillespie — provided nine for 70, at 9.77 apiece and a fabulous economy rate of 6.08 runs an over.

“It was just another chance to have a crack,” Sodhi said yesterday.

Whether there’s a repeat is unclear. The BBL clashes directly with New Zealand’s limited-overs competition so it’s a case of when chances come up. Sodhi is grateful to ND for releasing him for the three matches and that heightened his determination to repay them this domestic summer.

“I’ve built a really good relationship with everyone here, players and coaching staff,” Sodhi said.

Sodhi said he’d decided to keep his deliveries flat into the pitch and try and cramp the Thunder batsmen.

“But the wicket was turning and once I got it above the eyeline, it became a lot harder to play,” he said.

Sodhi’s New Zealand career has been hot and cold but he’s determined, at 24, to get back into the longer forms of the game, and is heartened by his form in Australia as it reinforced to him that his determination to stick to his game plan and philosophy is the right approach. “It’s rejuvenated me,” Sodhi said. He will put his hand up for a shot at the Indian Premier League, with the auction for spots in the competition in Bangalore on February 4.

He’s eyeing a chance to play some county cricket in England this year, believing that will benefit his bowling more. He’s played 14 tests and 12 ODIs, but wants much more.