Veteran batsman Kane Williamson will lead New Zealand as captain in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with the team being the first to unveil its lineup for the event scheduled for June 2024.
The announcement on Monday revealed a 15-member squad for the ninth iteration of the 20-over cricket tournament. Opting for experience, the Kiwi team includes seasoned players such as Williamson, along with the fast bowling pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Williamson is set to make his sixth T20 World Cup appearance and his fourth as captain. Southee is preparing for his seventh tournament, while Boult is gearing up for his fifth.
The squad sees no unexpected changes. Notably absent due to injuries are key pace bowler Kyle Jamieson and all-rounder Adam Milne. Despite showing promising form in recent white-ball matches, players such as Will O’Rourke, Tom Latham, Tim Seifert, and Will Young were not selected. Additionally, there was no comeback for seasoned top-order batsman Colin Munro, with selectors choosing instead to bring in newcomer Rachin Ravindra and fast bowler Matt Henry, both making their debut in a T20 World Cup setting.
The team also includes Ben Sears as a traveling reserve, ready to step in if needed during the tournament in the USA and West Indies.
New Zealand’s coach, Gary Stead, expressed his confidence in the balanced nature of the selected squad. “I’d like to congratulate everyone named today. Representing your country at a world tournament is always a special occasion,” Stead remarked. He also highlighted the team’s preparation for the diverse playing conditions expected in the West Indies, noting the selection was tailored to adapt to various match environments.
Stead is particularly eager to see how newcomers Henry and Ravindra will perform. “Matt has intensely focused on enhancing his T20 skills, making a strong case for his selection. Rachin has consistently excelled over the past year, particularly noted during our summer T20 matches against Australia,” Stead added.
New Zealand kicks off their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Guyana on June 7, followed by matches against co-hosts West Indies, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea in Group C.
New Zealand Squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Kane Williamson (captain), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Traveling Reserve: Ben Sears.
