New Zealand Announces Squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand's T20 World Cup Team Unveiled
Wellington, January 7, 2026: The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. Veteran spin all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been appointed as the captain, marking his ninth senior ICC tournament appearance. The team emphasizes spin bowling, as most matches will be played on spin-friendly pitches.
Notably, fast bowler Jacob Duffy has earned his first selection for a senior World Cup. Duffy had an impressive 2025 season, taking 81 international wickets in a calendar year, breaking the previous record held by Sir Richard Hadlee. He currently ranks second in the ICC T20 bowling rankings.
Several players are recovering from injuries, but NZC has confirmed that Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and captain Santner will be fit before the tournament. Ferguson and Henry may take paternity leave during the event.
Complete New Zealand Squad:
- Mitchell Santner (Captain)
- 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
- Ish Sodhi
Traveling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson (Fast Bowling Reserve)
The squad is spin-heavy, featuring Santner, Ish Sodhi (the second-highest wicket-taker in New Zealand's T20 history), along with all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. The batting lineup includes aggressive players like Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Seifert.
New Zealand is placed in Group D, competing against Afghanistan, South Africa, Canada, and the UAE. The Kiwi team will kick off their campaign on February 8 against Afghanistan in Chennai. Santner, Conway, Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell are familiar with the Chennai pitch, having played for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to commence on February 7. Prior to the World Cup, New Zealand will participate in a white-ball series in India, which is crucial for their preparations.