New Zealand faces several challenges ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Adam Milne is out due to injury, Michael Bracewell is still recovering from a calf problem, and Lockie Ferguson has returned home for paternity leave. Matt Henry is also departing temporarily, although both Ferguson and Henry are expected to rejoin the squad for the Super Eights. The Black Caps must address these gaps and maintain their momentum.
With some key bowlers unavailable, New Zealand has turned to part-time options like Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips. Ravindra bowled in the opening game against Afghanistan, while Phillips contributed overs against the UAE. Both matches ended in victories for New Zealand, and the upcoming game against Canada may see more involvement from the two.
“Obviously, Beast [Bracewell] is a big loss for us with his power and bowling. But we have options with Ish [Sodhi], Rach, and myself to cover the overs, especially here,” Phillips said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
“We both love our bowling and appreciate the chance to contribute in both areas. Having Neesh [James Neesham] with us helps provide that fifth bowler, using both seam and spin, which is helpful,” he added.
New Zealand will move to Sri Lanka for their Super Eight matches, all set to take place in Colombo. The conditions there are likely to favor spin bowlers.
“The conditions in Sri Lanka will be quite different from here, presenting a new challenge. There’s no one trick in Cricket to guarantee performance; it’s about improving and sticking to our strengths for longer periods. Scores of 160-150 might look different in Sri Lanka with more spin, but we could also get a good pitch where 200 is possible,” Phillips explained.
New Zealand’s current lineup places heavy reliance on senior players. Phillips is expected to score quickly in the middle and death overs, while new-ball bowlers need to secure early wickets. The captain plays a vital role in controlling the game and discipline in the field. However, there have been vulnerabilities. In the bilateral series against India and in their recent match against South Africa, the team struggled under pressure.
“There isn’t a specific pattern to our defeats. If the top order fails, the middle order often steps up, and vice versa. That’s T20 cricket—maintaining momentum can be tricky. The boys are in good mindsets, and it ultimately comes down to execution,” Phillips stated.
“With the ball, we are focused on performing at our best. Sometimes good balls are hit, but when our bowling isn’t as strong as before, we analyze and aim to improve for the next day,” he added.
