Strengths
New Zealand have done well in ICC tournaments regardless of what team plays. Their batting looks solid and will be one of their biggest strengths in this tournament. They also have players who can adapt to different conditions.
Weaknesses
New Zealand bowling attack struggled in the recent series against India and that will be their weakness. On good batting pitches they might struggle to contain the opposition.
X Factor
Finn Allen is an excellent addition at the top of the order and he showed it recently smashing 80 runs against India in the 5th T20I. He will be the X Factor for the Black Caps in this WT20.
Preferred Playing XI
Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bracewell, Mitchell Santner©, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Key Players to Watch
Lockie Ferguson – The right-arm pacer returns to the side and bowled with good pace in the last T20I against India. He has picked up 66 wickets in 44 T20I matches and will be keen to do well in this tournament.
Mitch Santner – He has picked up 135 wickets while also scoring 953 runs in 127 T20I matches. He will be a key player for New Zealand in this WT20.
T20 World Cup history Snapshot
New Zealand have not won a WT20 trophy. They were disappointing in the 2024 WT20 where they could not qualify for the Super 8. They will be keen to have a good tournament in 2026 and clinch their maiden title. Mitch Santner will lead the side for this tournament.
Also Read | Why is Mitchell Santner not playing Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants?
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
- 8th FEB vs Afghanistan
- 10th FEB vs UAE
- 14th FEB vs South Africa
- 17th FEB vs Canada
New Zealand Squad T20 World Cup 2026:
Mitchell Santner ©, 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
