New Zealand have unveiled a formidable 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, with Jacob Duffy standing out as the sole debutant. The remaining 14 players bring a wealth of experience, having all previously featured on cricket’s global stage.
Collectively, the squad boasts an impressive 1,064 T20 international appearances. The tournament, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will mark Duffy’s maiden World Cup appearance. The 31-year-old pacer has earned his place after a stellar 2025 campaign, where he claimed 81 wickets across 36 matches for New Zealand, surpassing the 40-year-old record of legendary Richard Hadlee, who took 79 wickets in a single year.
Duffy currently ranks second in the ICC T20 bowlers’ rankings. He will spearhead a pace attack featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne, supported by pace-bowling all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.
The spin department will be led by captain Mitchell Santner, accompanied by New Zealand’s second-highest T20 wicket-taker Ish Sodhi. Additionally, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra bring valuable spin options while also contributing with the bat.
The batting line-up is bolstered by Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Seifert, who will also assume wicketkeeping duties.
Several squad members are currently recovering from injuries. Finn Allen, Chapman, Ferguson, Henry, and Santner are undergoing rehabilitation, with New Zealand Cricket confident all will be fit in time for the tournament. Furthermore, Ferguson and Henry may be granted short-term paternity leave if the birth of their children coincides with World Cup fixtures. Kyle Jamieson has been named as a travelling reserve.
New Zealand are drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The Kiwis will kick off their campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on 8 February.
New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad 2026
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain / All-rounder | Mitchell Santner |
| Batsmen | Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert |
| Pacer / Bowler | Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne |
| All-rounder | Jimmy Neesham |
| Spin Bowlers | Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra |
| Wicketkeeper | Tim Seifert |
| Reserve | Kyle Jamieson |
With a blend of experienced campaigners and one promising newcomer, the Black Caps aim to make a significant impact in the T20 World Cup. Duffy’s inclusion signals both the depth of New Zealand’s pace bowling and their intent to chase glory on the world stage.