More than 14 years on from making his international debut as a 19-year-old, Blackcaps seamer Tim Southee is preparing to - figuratively - raise the bat, as he makes his 100th Twenty20 appearance for his country.
Now 33, Southee will become just the third New Zealander to play in 100 T20s after Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill, when the Blackcaps host Pakistan in their tri-series final in Christchurch on Friday.
And with this just the latest milestone for Southee - who sits behind only Sir Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori in terms of most test wickets taken for New Zealand - the leader of the Blackcaps' attack said it's a "real honour" to reach triple figures.
"I guess [it's] something you don't think too much of," Southee said. "But when you play for a while, they sort of tick over.
"But like any of the guys that have played for New Zealand, it was a childhood dream to represent your country. To do it 100 times in this format has been pretty special.
"From [when I was] a young kid, all I wanted to do was do this. To be able to fulfil that dream, and do it for a long period of time is pretty special.
"It's a chance to go out and represent our country, it's a real honour. I think that's one thing that's stayed true and is very special to me, and I've been very lucky to do it for a long time."
As a bowler, Southee's longevity stands as one of his most impressive traits as an international cricketer.
Aside from 99 T20s, he's also played in 88 tests and 148 ODIs, taking more than 650 wickets across all three formats.
"I've been - touch wood - reasonably lucky, body-wise," he continued. "I think that's down to [strength and conditioning coach] Chris Donaldson, [who's been] a massive part of this side.
"[If] you look at the bowlers, who've been able to play for such a long period of time, the conditioning he's put us through over the last 10 or so years.
"The hard work that goes in away from cricket, and the fitness side of things."
On the field, Friday's tri-series final against Pakistan also gives the Blackcaps valuable big-game experience, with the T20 World Cup held in Australia later this month.
The Blackcaps and Pakistan have already played each other twice in the tri-series, winning one apiece, with the winner to take the trophy in the decider.
But in the scheme of things, Friday's match will serve as vital match practice for what's to come.
"Every match you play for your country, you're going out to win - and you want to win every game you play.
"The reality is you can't do that, but it's another opportunity as a side. We've got the 15 guys here that are going to be participating in the World Cup.
"It's another opportunity as a group to grow. I think we've shown throughout this small series, we've gotten better each game, in certain areas.
"It's another opportunity to prepare ourselves for that World Cup coming up."
Join Newshub for live updates of the Blackcaps v Pakistan from 3pm Friday
