New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, aims to make a strong impact at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7.
The team will compete in a challenging Group D with Afghanistan, South Africa, Canada, and the UAE. A total of 20 teams are divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8.
The final is scheduled for March 8, hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This marks the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup.
In the 2021 T20 World Cup, New Zealand reached the final but lost to Australia. They are still seeking their first title and come into this tournament with a well-rounded squad.
Notably, the squad announcement mentioned that Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson might take paternity leave during the event. “With their partners expecting during the tournament, short-term leave will likely be granted,” said NZC.
As we look ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026, here’s an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the New Zealand team.
New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.
Strengths of New Zealand
New Zealand has a robust batting lineup, expected to feature Devon Conway, Finn Allen, and Rachin Ravindra at the top.
Conway has scored 1694 runs for New Zealand with an average of 36.04. Allen, who recently had a successful BBL season, will aim to contribute significantly. Ravindra adds depth in the batting order.
Tim Seifert serves as backup in the top order, having accumulated 1874 T20I runs in 78 matches.
The middle order is solid as well, with Daryl Mitchell having over 1700 runs from 92 T20I matches. Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips provide further strength.
Chapman has 1547 runs at an average of 27.62, while Bracewell has 434 runs with a strike rate of 133.95. Phillips, known for finishing games, has a strike rate of 142.17 and is the fourth-highest scorer for New Zealand in T20Is.
New Zealand’s all-rounders add further depth, including Bracewell and Phillips, who can contribute with spin bowling. Veteran Jimmy Neesham brings experience, with over 1000 runs and 56 wickets.
Santner is also a key all-rounder, having taken 131 wickets and scoring over 900 runs.
The spin department is strong, led by Ish Sodhi, who is the team’s top wicket-taker with 159 wickets. Bracewell, Phillips, and Ravindra can also provide additional spin options.
The pace attack is led by Matt Henry, who has 41 wickets. Jacob Duffy adds to the mix with 56 wickets in 40 matches, and Kyle Jamieson is another solid option. Lockie Ferguson, despite injury concerns, has 64 T20I wickets.
Weaknesses of the New Zealand side
New Zealand faces challenges with the loss of Adam Milne to injury. While Jamieson is a reliable bowler, he may not match the impact of the missing Ferguson and Henry. This could weaken their pace attack.
The top order may lack explosive batting, as both Conway and Ravindra tend to play conservatively, placing pressure on Allen to perform.
Additionally, they might struggle during the death overs and need to better manage the middle overs.
Ferguson’s injury recovery is crucial; his absence could pose significant challenges.
Predicted starting XI of New Zealand: Devon Conway, Finn Allen (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Players to watch out for
Finn Allen: As the second-highest scorer in the BBL 2025-26 season, Allen can set a fast pace for the team while looking to please KKR fans ahead of IPL 2026.
Verdict: New Zealand could make it to the semifinals.
With a well-balanced team, strong all-rounders, and adaptability, New Zealand has the potential to reach the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals. However, they need to address injury concerns and ensure effective death bowling against strong opponents. Their ongoing series against India will serve as valuable preparation.
Schedule of New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup
8 February – New Zealand vs Afghanistan, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
10 February – New Zealand vs UAE, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
14 February – New Zealand vs South Africa, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
17 February – New Zealand vs Canada, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
NZ’s opener starts at 11:00 am IST, while their second match is at 03:00 pm IST. The next two group games will begin at 7:00 pm IST and 11:00 am IST.
