New Zealand T20 squad for West Indies announced; T20 World Cup 2026 squad locked

New Zealand have made bold moves ahead of their final T20I challenge before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka after Kane Williamson retired from the shorter format of the game. They have recalled Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies.

This crucial T20I series will get underway on Wednesday (November 5) at Eden Park in Auckland. The upcoming home series is New Zealand’s last T20I audition before the New Zealand head coach, Rob Walter, locks in his preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

New Zealand name bold squad for West Indies T20Is with Nathan Smith set for debut

The 14-member squad has featured an uncapped all-rounder, Nathan Smith, who is finally set for his long-awaited T20I debut after travelling with the team last year against Sri Lanka.

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Kyle Jamieson is back after recovering from a side strain that forced him out of the ODI series against England, while Ish Sodhi made a return to the T20I setup after missing the Australia series.

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Rob Walter stated, “Kyle’s been back bowling this week and is tracking nicely for this series. Nathan’s made an impressive start to his international career in the Test and ODI formats, and we back him to do the job if he gets his T20 chance in this series."

"Ish is our most capped T20I player, and it’s always great to be able to add his skills, energy, and experience to the group.”

However, the squad is also missing some big names. Matt Henry has been rested for a planned conditioning phase to prepare him for the upcoming ODI and Test games.

Matt Henry gets a short break before a busy schedule

The New Zealand coach said, “Matt has played every game for the BLACKCAPS since the tour to Zimbabwe in July—so it’s the right moment for him to have a short break, and the fact he will also get some time to rehab his calf is another upside.”

On the other hand, five key players—Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring)—have all been sidelined due to injuries.

Speaking on Williamson’s T20I retirement, Walter said, “His contribution to the team in this format has been immense, both in terms of his runs and leadership. To have captained the T20 side in 75 of his 93 games gives an indication of his influence and service to the side.”

Notably, the West Indies are set to arrive in New Zealand on Sunday (November 2) for five T20Is, three ODIs, and a three-match Test series.

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New Zealand squad for T20I series against West Indies:

Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Robinson.

Our lads to take on the West Indies in the five-match KFC T20I series starting this Wednesday 🏏

Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi return | Nathan Smith in for a potential T20I debut 👊

Read more at https://t.co/3YsfR1Y3Sm#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/1P581rjIdX

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 2, 2025

New Zealand vs West Indies Schedule:

November 5: First T20I at Eden Park, Auckland

November 6: Second T20I at Eden Park, Auckland

November 9: Third T20I at Saxton Oval Cricket Ground, Nelson

November 10: Fourth T20I at Saxton Oval Cricket Ground, Nelson

November 13: Fifth T20I at University of Otago Oval Cricket Ground, Dunedin

November 16: First ODI at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

November 19: Second ODI at McLean Park, Napier

November 22: Third ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton

December 2: First Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

December 10: Second Test at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

December 18: Third Test at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui