🇳🇿 New Zealand Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List & Key Players
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, will see New Zealand arrive with a seasoned and well-balanced squad, despite a late injury setback. Known for consistency across ICC events, the Black Caps once again rely on adaptability, depth, and calm decision-making under pressure.
Mitchell Santner will lead the side in his ninth senior ICC global event. His experience in subcontinental conditions, combined with New Zealand’s strong all-round core, keeps the Black Caps firmly in contention in Group D.
New Zealand Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Santner (C) | Bowling All-rounder |
| 2 | Finn Allen | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Devon Conway | Top-order Batter |
| 4 | Tim Seifert (†) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 5 | Daryl Mitchell | Batting All-rounder |
| 6 | Glenn Phillips | Batting All-rounder |
| 7 | Rachin Ravindra | Batting All-rounder |
| 8 | Michael Bracewell | Batting All-rounder |
| 9 | James Neesham | Pace-bowling All-rounder |
| 10 | Jacob Duffy | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Lockie Ferguson | Fast Bowler |
| 12 | Matt Henry | Fast Bowler |
| 13 | Kyle Jamieson | Fast Bowler |
| 14 | Ish Sodhi | Leg-spinner |
| 15 | Mark Chapman | Middle-order Batter |
Adam Milne was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a torn hamstring during the SA20, with Kyle Jamieson promoted from reserve to the main squad.
Leadership & Team Management
- Captain: Mitchell Santner
- Head Coach: Rob Walter
Santner’s appointment ensures continuity and tactical clarity. Supported by senior players such as Conway, Neesham and Mitchell, New Zealand field a leadership group well-versed in high-pressure ICC tournaments.
New Zealand’s Group – T20 World Cup 2026
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| New Zealand 🇳🇿 | ICC Men’s T20I Rankings |
| South Africa 🇿🇦 | Top 7 finish – T20 WC 2024 |
| Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | Top 7 finish – T20 WC 2024 |
| Canada 🇨🇦 | Americas Qualifier |
| UAE 🇦🇪 | Asia/EAP Qualifier |
This is a challenging group with high-quality pace attacks, spin threats, and unpredictable emerging teams — all requiring precision and adaptability.
New Zealand Group Stage Matches – T20 World Cup 2026
| Match No. | Date | Venue | Teams | Time (LOCAL) | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Match, Group D | Sun, Feb 8, 2026 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | New Zealand 🇳🇿 vs Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | 11:00 AM | 05:30 AM |
| 11th Match, Group D | Tue, Feb 10, 2026 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | New Zealand 🇳🇿 vs UAE 🇦🇪 | 3:00 PM | 09:30 AM |
| 24th Match, Group D | Sat, Feb 14, 2026 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | New Zealand 🇳🇿 vs South Africa 🇿🇦 | 7:00 PM | 01:30 PM |
| 31st Match, Group D | Tue, Feb 17, 2026 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | New Zealand 🇳🇿 vs Canada 🇨🇦 | 11:00 AM | 05:30 AM |
Predicted Playing XI – New Zealand
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finn Allen | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Devon Conway | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Rachin Ravindra | Batting All-rounder |
| 4 | Daryl Mitchell | Middle-order Batter |
| 5 | Glenn Phillips | Batting All-rounder |
| 6 | Mark Chapman | Middle-order Batter |
| 7 | Michael Bracewell | Batting All-rounder |
| 8 | Mitchell Santner (C) | Bowling All-rounder |
| 9 | Matt Henry | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Jacob Duffy | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Ish Sodhi | Leg-spinner |
Bench Strength: Tim Seifert, James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
Strong all-round depth
New Zealand continue to boast one of the most flexible all-round units in the tournament, allowing multiple combinations without sacrificing balance.
Experience at the top level
Santner, Sodhi, Conway and Neesham bring vast ICC tournament experience — a major asset in knockout matches.
Pace with bounce and variation
Henry and Duffy offer swing and accuracy, while Ferguson and Jamieson provide extra bounce and pace — particularly useful on Indian surfaces with carry.
Spin control in Asian conditions
Santner and Sodhi remain key in controlling the middle overs, supported by spin-capable all-rounders like Bracewell and Ravindra.
New Zealand’s Road to the 2026 Title
Having reached the knockout stages in recent T20 World Cups but falling short of lifting the trophy, New Zealand once again chase their maiden T20 world title. Despite losing Adam Milne to injury, the squad retains its balance, experience and adaptability — hallmarks of the Black Caps’ success in global tournaments.
Final Word
The updated New Zealand squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects resilience and depth. With Mitchell Santner’s steady leadership, a powerful all-round core, and a versatile bowling attack led by Henry, Ferguson and Jamieson, the Black Caps remain serious contenders in subcontinental conditions.