A new era begins for the Blackcaps! Mitchell Santner leads New Zealand’s 15-man T20 World Cup squad, featuring a maiden call-up for pacer Jacob Duffy. With paternity leave looming for key stars, Kyle Jamieson stands by as a reserve. Placed in Group D, the Kiwis launch their campaign on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan, building toward a high-stakes clash with South Africa in Ahmedabad.
The excitement for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is building, and New Zealand has unveiled its 15-man squad. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps are set to compete for the coveted T20 title. This squad blends experience with fresh talent, and there are a few surprises that cricket fans should watch out for.
One of the biggest surprises in New Zealand's 2026 T20 World Cup squad is the inclusion of Jacob Duffy. The fast bowler has earned his maiden call-up after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket. Known for his pace and ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments, Duffy will be hoping to make an impact on the world stage.
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi
Travelling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson
Alongside Duffy, New Zealand's pace attack is looking strong. Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne are all seasoned campaigners, bringing a wealth of experience and firepower to the squad. Their ability to bowl fast and generate bounce will be key in the subcontinental conditions of India. Additionally, James Neesham adds further depth to the bowling attack with his ability to contribute with the ball, making New Zealand's pace department even more formidable.
On the spin front, the Black Caps are relying on Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi to play pivotal roles. Santner, who will captain the team, is joined by Sodhi, who has been a consistent performer in international T20 cricket. Sodhi's experience from the 2016 T20 World Cup in India will prove invaluable as he looks to replicate his success in this edition.
The batting department is equally exciting. Finn Allen, known for his explosive power, will open the innings alongside wicketkeeper Tim Seifert. The middle-order is packed with talent, including the reliable Devon Conway, the versatile Mark Chapman, and the hard-hitting Glenn Phillips. In-form youngster Rachin Ravindra also adds depth, making the batting lineup one of the most balanced in the tournament.
While the squad has some promising new faces, there are notable absentees. Tim Robinson, Bevon Jacobs, and Zakary Foulkes have all missed the cut for the 15-man squad. These players will no doubt be disappointed, but their time may come in future editions of the World Cup.
In a tactical move, Kyle Jamieson has been named as a travelling reserve. While Jamieson isn't part of the main squad, he could step in if needed. With both Henry and Ferguson likely to be on short-term paternity leave during the tournament due to personal reasons, Jamieson's presence as a reserve might prove to be crucial.
New Zealand has been placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE. They will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai. The team will then face the UAE two days later in the same city. A highly anticipated clash with South Africa is scheduled for February 14 in Ahmedabad, before New Zealand wraps up their group stage with a match against Canada on February 17 in Chennai.
With a well-balanced squad and experienced leaders, New Zealand is poised to make a strong challenge at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The combination of youth, experience, and tactical depth gives them a solid chance to claim the title and continue their cricketing legacy on the world stage.
Also Read: South Africa’s Squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
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A new era begins for the Blackcaps! Mitchell Santner leads New Zealand’s 15-man T20 World Cup squad, featuring a maiden call-up for pacer Jacob Duffy. With paternity leave looming for key stars, Kyle Jamieson stands by as a reserve. Placed in Group D, the Kiwis launch their campaign on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan, building toward a high-stakes clash with South Africa in Ahmedabad.
Afghanistan has announced its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, led by Rashid Khan. Key returns include Naveen-ul-Haq and Gulbadin Naib, adding strength and experience to the team. With exciting talents like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan is ready to compete for glory. The tournament starts on February 7, 2026, and Afghanistan aims to make a powerful impact on the global stage.
Australia has announced its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, led by Mitchell Marsh. The team includes top players like Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Tim David as they aim for another T20 title. Despite injury concerns around David and Josh Hazlewood, the selectors are confident in their recovery. The tournament kicks off on February 7, 2026, and Australia is ready for the challenge ahead.
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