The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just a month and New Zealand officially declared their intentions with a squad set up for the return tracks India and Sri Lanka. On 7 January 2026, New Zealand Cricket announced a 15-member unit that balances veteran acumen with the raw, record-breaking pace of its newest star. The Black Caps will compete in the tough Group D in the tournament, which will run from February 7 to March 8. South Africa and Afghanistan. With the white ball series India With the final arrangement scheduled for later this month, the Kiwis are wasting no time getting used to the subcontinent. A
First senior World Cup call-up for Jacob Duffy
New Zealand’s selection is headlined by the inclusion of the 31-year-old pacer Jacob DuffyAfter a historic run in 2025, he won his first senior World Cup call-up. Duffy has become a global bowling powerhouse over the past year, claiming an astonishing 81 international wickets across all formats at a clinical average of 17. In a moment that etched his name in folklore, he surpassed it. Sir Richard Hadley’s 40-year national record Test series against 79 wickets in a calendar year during the month of December West India. This prolific run of form saw him move up to number two in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, making him the highest-ranked bowler in a team that boasts over 1,000 T20I caps.
His meteoric rise has also translated into a big payday in the franchise circuit. during IPL 2026 auction In December, champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) With Director of Cricket secured Duffy for ₹2 crore You Bobat labeling the signing a ‘deal’ and basic injury cover. At the World Cup, Duffy will be the lone debutant in an otherwise experienced pace battery Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milnewhile Kyle Jamieson travels as a pace reserve.
New Zealand’s spin-heavy strategy under Mitchell Santner and Group D ambitions
captain Mitchell Santner Emphasizing spin depth as a key pillar of the team, he will lead a side specially designed for subcontinental conditions. Santner, entering his ninth major ICC tournament, will lead a slow-bowling contingent that includes a specialist. Ish Sodhi, both made their famous debuts in the 2016 World Cup in India. The squad is bolstered by more skilled all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin RavindraEnsuring that New Zealand can field up to four or five spin options if required. Explosive in the hitting department Find Allen and Tim Seifert (fresh off a BBL century for the Melbourne Renegades) provides the necessary firepower at the top.
New Zealand are top seeded in Group D starting their campaign February 8 against the dangerous Afghanistan On the Chennai side. The table is a tough test for compatibility:
- February 8: vs Afghanistan (Chennai)
- February 10: vs UAE (Chennai)
- February 14: v South Africa (Ahmedabad)
- February 17: vs Canada (Chennai)
Despite current fitness concerns for Santner (adductor) and Ferguson (calf), the medical team expects a full-strength side for the opener. Notably, the team has also scheduled short-term paternity leave for Ferguson and Henry, demonstrating a modern, player-first approach to a high-pressure global campaign.
New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 15 man squad
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
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