New Zealand have named a formidable and experienced squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner confirmed as captain of a group stacked with global tournament pedigree. The biggest storyline is the inclusion of Jacob Duffy, whose outstanding 2025 campaign with the ball has earned him a maiden World Cup call-up.
Duffy enters the tournament as the world’s No.2 ranked T20I bowler, having taken 81 international wickets across formats last year, and will headline a fast-bowling unit featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne. Jimmy Neesham provides balance as a pace-bowling all-rounder, while the Black Caps’ trademark spin depth is boosted by Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra alongside Santner.
This will be Santner’s ninth senior ICC global tournament, underlining both his influence and New Zealand’s faith in continuity. Sodhi also marks a milestone, returning to the tournament 10 years after the pair first featured together on the world stage in India. Behind the stumps, Tim Seifert retains the gloves, while Kyle Jamieson has been named as the travelling reserve quick.
New Zealand have also prepared for squad flexibility, with Ferguson and Henry both likely to receive paternity leave during the tournament, opening the door for Jamieson to feature if required. The blend of elite experience, tactical bowling depth, and in-form pace firepower gives the Black Caps another strong platform as they chase an elusive first men’s ICC trophy.
New Zealand 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, Ish Sodhi Travelling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson
