As part of their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand has selected a 15-man squad for the forthcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe. Notably, Kane Williamson, the former captain, will not be playing in the series. Williamson’s current county stint with Middlesex and The Hundred with London Spirit has prevented him from participating in the trip.
Rob Walter, the recently hired head coach, has highlighted the significance of the series in the BlackCaps’ run to the World Cup, and this tour is his first significant assignment.
“I’m excited to get the team together and get to work because I think we have a pretty strong roster for this tour. All of our forthcoming series are crucial to our build-up as the T20 World Cup draws near. According to Cricbuzz, he stated, “This series gives us the opportunity to test the breadth of our squad, explore different players and possibly different combinations against some quality opposition.”
In addition to Williamson, the team is missing pacers Lockie Ferguson (who is rested), Ben Sears (who has a side injury), and Kyle Jamieson (who is expecting a child). Tim Seifert is anticipated to be behind the stumps, while star batsman Devon Conway and wicketkeeper Mitch Hay are also not present.
Bevon Jacobs is anticipated to debut.
All-rounders Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra will also be considered for the team, which will be captained by Mitchell Santner. Notably, both of them are making a comeback after missing the March series against Pakistan because of the 2025 Indian Premier League. For the first time since November, pacer Adam Milne also rejoins the team.
After recovering from a shoulder injury that has prevented him from playing since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, speedster Matt Henry will be thrilled to return. Bevon Jacobs, a 23-year-old uncapped batter who has toured with the team against Sri Lanka, is still in the lineup and is anticipated to make his debut.
Adam is an extremely talented T20 bowler who adds extra pace and bounce. He is especially good with the ball in front. It’s wonderful to have someone with Adam’s expertise when players like Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson are out,” Walter continued.
Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne 🤝 Full story | https://t.co/1jOONKyaso #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/33CPm3uT0K
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025
Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series 2025 T20I team for New Zealand:
Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchel, and Mitchell Santner (C)
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