New Zealand Cricket has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with experienced campaigner Kane Williamson set to lead the team once again. The squad features some notable inclusions, including the uncapped Matt Henry and the returning Devon Conway.
Matt Henry, currently plying his trade for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, has been rewarded for his recent performances in T20 cricket. Despite only featuring in 17 T20Is for New Zealand, Henry’s impressive bowling skills have earned him a spot in the squad. Head coach Gary Stead praised Henry’s dedication, stating, “Matt has worked exceptionally hard on his skills across the phases of a T20 game to come back into selection consideration.”
With Adam Milne sidelined due to injury, Henry’s selection ahead of Ben Sears bolsters New Zealand’s fast bowling department. He will be joined by the experienced duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who are set to play their seventh and fifth T20 World Cups respectively, along with the pace of Lockie Ferguson.
Devon Conway, who is recovering from a thumb injury, has also been included in the squad and is likely to take the wicketkeeping gloves ahead of Finn Allen. Notable omissions from the squad include Tim Seifert and Tom Blundell.
Michael Bracewell, who led New Zealand to a 2-2 draw in the recent T20I series in Pakistan, makes a welcome return to the squad after being sidelined for most of 2023. Bracewell’s inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup, which also features the likes of Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Mark Chapman, all of whom can contribute with the ball in slow conditions expected in the Caribbean and the United States.
Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell provide additional options as pace-bowling allrounders, while Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi will lead the spin attack.
Rachin Ravindra, who impressed with three centuries in the 50-over World Cup last year, is set to make his T20 World Cup debut. Stead praised Ravindra’s progress, stating, “Rachin has made every post a winner in the past 12 months, and it was exciting to see him continue that trajectory over the summer in the T20 format against Australia.”
New Zealand Squad T20 World Cup 2024
Squad: Kane Williamson(c), 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 [Ben Sears – Travelling Reserve]
The support staff for the team includes Luke Ronchi as the batting coach, Jacob Oram as the bowling coach, and James Foster as the assistant coach focusing on fielding.
New Zealand will kick off their campaign against Afghanistan in Guyana on June 7, with the squad set to depart for the tournament on May 23.
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