New Zealand T20 World Cup squad: Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson set to miss few matches

On Wednesday, January 7, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) officially announced the squad of the New Zealand National Cricket Team for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The Blackcaps are placed in Group D in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE.

New Zealand to lose Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson for a few matches

The selection committee has named quite a strong squad for the T20 World Cup, with Mitchell Santner at the helm and in the presence of several experienced campaigners.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

However, during the tournament, the Kiwis will have to do without the services of Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry for a few matches. Their partners are due to give birth during the event period, and the pacers might be allowed to take short-term paternity leave.

Talking about the squad, the Kiwi head coach Rob Walter congratulated all the players selected. He said:

“Firstly, a big congratulations to all of the players selected for this World Cup. World Cups are special and there’s few better places to play one than in India, which is very much the heartbeat of the modern game.

“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."

Meanwhile, Tim Robinson, who impressed everyone with his century against the Aussies last October, has been dropped from the squad as Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Seifert occupy the batting spots.

Notably, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman and Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry - all of them were recently injured and are recovering well for the T20 World Cup.

Also, bowler Jacob Duffy, who is the highest-rated pacer in the ICC Men's T20I Bowling Rankings, is set to make his World Cup debut, while experienced paceman Kyle Jamieson has been kept as a traveling reserve.

New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi | Traveling reserve: Kyle Jamieson

Also Read: Revealed: Why India refused to drop Rishabh Pant for New Zealand series despite horrible form

As always, the balance of the squad is critical - Rob Walter

Speaking further, the head coach, Rob Walter, said that they have picked up a balanced squad that covers all bases.

“As always, the balance of the squad is critical. 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 sub-continent, which will be valuable."

Walter added that the Kiwis will get an ideal preparation for the World Cup during the upcoming five-match series against the India National Cricket Team. He stated:

"The group have had a healthy diet of T20 cricket leading into this World Cup, with three T20 International series to start the home summer, followed by the Super Smash and franchise opportunities.

“We’ve also got a hugely exciting tour of India, which will be a big challenge and provide ideal preparation for what’s to come."