New Zealand bowler Duffy to make T20 World Cup bow

Jacob Duffy Set for T20 World Cup Debut as New Zealand Announces Squad

New Zealand has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with fast bowler Jacob Duffy set to make his debut in the tournament. The squad, led by Mitchell Santner, was announced on Wednesday and combines a mix of experienced campaigners and dynamic newcomers to tackle the challenges of the subcontinent conditions.

Duffy, 31, is currently the second-ranked T20 international bowler in the world and comes into the squad on the back of a sensational 2025 season. Across all formats, he claimed a total of 81 international wickets from 36 matches, surpassing Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old record of 79 wickets. His remarkable consistency and wicket-taking ability have made him a key asset for the Black Caps heading into the tournament.

Joining Duffy in the pace attack are seasoned campaigners Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne, alongside the pace-bowling all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. Both Ferguson and Henry may take brief paternity leave during the competition, according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), with Kyle Jamieson traveling as the pace-bowling reserve to ensure depth and cover in the fast-bowling department.

In addition to Santner, New Zealand boasts a strong spin contingent. Specialist spinner Ish Sodhi will anchor the attack, supported by spin-capable all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. This variety provides Santner with multiple tactical options to adapt to different pitch conditions and opposition strategies.

The batting line-up is equally formidable, featuring explosive openers Finn Allen and Mark Chapman, consistent top-order batsman Devon Conway, middle-order mainstays Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert, and versatile all-rounders capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Coach Rob Walter praised the balance and depth of the squad, stating, “I’m really happy with the skills and experience of this squad and I think we have a group which can make New Zealand proud.”

Walter emphasized the squad’s adaptability, noting, “We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different. This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the subcontinent, which will be valuable.”

New Zealand enters the tournament eager to improve on their disappointing 2024 World Cup campaign, where they exited during the group stage in the West Indies. To prepare for subcontinental conditions and tough opposition, the Black Caps have arranged a five-match T20 series against defending champions and co-host India earlier this month. This preparatory series will provide valuable match practice and help the players fine-tune strategies ahead of their World Cup opener.

The Black Caps will kick off their Group D campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8, a matchup that will test both their batting depth and bowling flexibility. The tournament format demands consistent performances in the group stage to advance, making each match critical for teams like New Zealand aiming to reach the semifinals.

The squad, combining youth and experience, reflects New Zealand’s strategic approach to the T20 format. Jacob Duffy will spearhead the pace attack, with his pace, bounce, and ability to take wickets at crucial moments expected to be pivotal. Ferguson, Henry, and Milne provide additional firepower, while Neesham’s all-round capabilities allow the team to strengthen either batting or bowling depending on match situations.

In the spin department, Ish Sodhi’s leg-spin experience will complement Santner’s left-arm spin, while Bracewell, Phillips, and Ravindra offer variations that can trouble even the most established batting line-ups. Walter has expressed confidence in his spin-heavy options, highlighting their potential to make breakthroughs in the middle overs, especially on subcontinental pitches.

The batting core boasts a blend of power hitters and technically sound players. Finn Allen and Mark Chapman are expected to set the tempo at the top, while Devon Conway provides stability in the middle order. Daryl Mitchell, with his experience and versatility, can adapt to different game situations, and Tim Seifert adds finishing firepower, crucial for chasing or defending totals.

All-rounders like Neesham, Bracewell, and Ravindra provide the Black Caps with flexibility, giving Santner multiple ways to balance the side depending on conditions and opposition strengths. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball could prove decisive in tightly contested matches, particularly in the knockout stages.

Coach Rob Walter has emphasized team cohesion and preparation, noting that experience in the subcontinent will be a significant advantage. He believes the blend of senior campaigners and emerging talents can create a squad capable of challenging for the title. “This is a team with the right mix of skill, experience, and adaptability,” he said, “and we’re confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.”

New Zealand’s preparation has been thorough, with the India series offering live conditions similar to those expected in the World Cup venues. Analysts expect the experience gained from these matches to be invaluable, particularly for players like Duffy making their tournament debut.

As anticipation builds for the T20 World Cup, fans will be watching closely to see if New Zealand can combine a potent bowling attack with explosive batting to contend for their first T20 title. Jacob Duffy’s record-breaking form adds excitement and optimism for Black Caps supporters, signaling that this squad is ready to make an impact on the world stage.

New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad: