New Zealand Announces Squad for T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has revealed its 15-member squad for the forthcoming T20I tri-nation series in Zimbabwe, which also features South Africa. The tournament is scheduled to begin next month.

This squad selection represents a fresh start under the guidance of head coach Rob Walter, as the team gears up for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Prominent players missing from the squad include former captain Kane Williamson and lead fast bowler Lockie Ferguson.

Williamson has chosen to forgo the tour due to his current county cricket commitment with Middlesex and his later involvement with London Spirit in The Hundred competition. Ferguson is being rested to carefully manage his workload.

Kyle Jamieson, another fast bowler, will also be absent from the series as he awaits the arrival of his first child. Ben Sears is sidelined due to a side strain injury.

Adam Milne makes a return to the team, having last participated in a T20I match in February 2024. He had previously missed the last T20 World Cup because of ankle surgery.

Milne has shown impressive form recently, playing for the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (MLC), where he took nine wickets in four games.

Bevon Jacobs, an uncapped player, has received his first call-up to the national side following consistent performances in domestic cricket and exposure in various franchise leagues. He was also notably signed by Mumbai Indians at the IPL auction.

Jacobs had initially been selected for New Zealand’s squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka last December.

Key players such as Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and captain Mitchell Santner are also returning to the squad, after missing the T20I series against Pakistan in March due to their IPL commitments. However, Devon Conway was not named in the squad.

Head coach Rob Walter voiced his confidence in the team’s overall composition and strength.

“I believe we have a very capable squad assembled for this tour, and I am eager to bring the team together and begin our preparations,” Walter commented.

“There is a good amount of experience within the squad, and it’s great to have back some of the players who were unavailable for the series against Pakistan in March due to the IPL.

“The tri-series should provide excellent competition with South Africa, who are a formidable team, and Zimbabwe, who are strong when playing at home.”

Walter, recently appointed to lead New Zealand across all formats, will receive support from assistant coaches Luke Ronchi, Jake Oram, and James Foster.

He views the series as an opportunity to assess different team arrangements in preparation for the World Cup.

“With the T20 World Cup approaching, each of our upcoming series plays a vital role in our preparation. This series will allow us to assess the depth of our squad, experiment with various players, and potentially explore different combinations against quality opponents.”

New Zealand is scheduled to begin their tri-series campaign against South Africa in Harare on July 16, just two days following the MLC final. NZC has indicated that player replacements will be announced closer to the series if any scheduling conflicts arise.

After the T20I tri-series, New Zealand will stay in Zimbabwe for a two-match Test series in Bulawayo.

New Zealand Men’s T20I Squad:
Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Tri-nation T20I series schedule: