Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 7th January 2026, 4:40 AM
New Zealand has announced a formidable 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, with veteran experience dominating the lineup. Of the 15 players, 14 have previously represented New Zealand on cricket’s global stage, leaving pacer Jacob Duffy as the squad’s sole newcomer.
Collectively, the Kiwi squad brings a wealth of experience, having played 1,064 T20 Internationals. The tournament, scheduled across India and Sri Lanka, will mark Duffy’s maiden World Cup appearance.
At 31, Duffy’s selection reflects his outstanding form over the past year. Currently ranked second in the ICC T20 bowlers’ rankings, he enjoyed a record-breaking 2025 season, claiming 81 wickets in 36 matches—surpassing the 40-year-old record of 79 wickets set by legendary Richard Hadlee.
Squad Composition:
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Mitchell Santner |
| Pacers | Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne |
| Pace All-Rounder | James Neesham |
| Spinners | Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra |
| Batters | Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert |
| Wicketkeeper | Tim Seifert |
| Reserve | Kyle Jamieson |
In the pace department, Duffy is joined by Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne, while James Neesham strengthens the squad as a pace-bowling all-rounder. The spin contingent is led by captain Santner and includes Ish Sodhi, New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. Supporting them are Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, who can contribute effectively with both bat and ball.
The batting lineup features a mix of aggression and stability, with Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Seifert, who also assumes wicketkeeping duties.
Several players are currently recovering from injuries, including Finn Allen, Chapman, Ferguson, Henry, and Santner, but New Zealand Cricket has assured fans they will be fit in time for the tournament. Additionally, Ferguson and Henry may be granted short-term paternity leave, as the expected birth of their children coincides with the World Cup schedule. Paceman Kyle Jamieson has been named as a travelling reserve to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
New Zealand has been drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The Kiwis will launch their World Cup campaign on 8 February in Chennai against Afghanistan.
Comments