Two matches into the T20 World Cup 2026, Team New Zealand are forced to make an untimely change in their squad. The technical committee approved Cole McConchie as a travelling reserve, as Michael Bracewell has been ruled out now. The all-rounder picked up an injury on Feb 8, while carrying out support duties during the Afghanistan match, a couple of days back.
Michael Bracewell out of T20 World Cup 2026
That said, New Zealand are well placed in their Group, and have won both their matches. After beating Afghanistan, they went on to beat UAE on Tuesday by a massive 10 wickets, while chasing 174.
As far as the UAE match is concerned, the team did end up conceding 173 on a good batting wicket in Chennai, but were mighty clinical in the chase. Tim Seifert scored magical 89 in 42 deliveries, while Finn Allen chipped in with 84 from 50. That means, Kiwis top group D now, and are virtually through to the super 8 stage.\
They have two more encounters remaining; They play South Africa on Feb 14, and then Canada on Feb 17.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi. Reserve: Ben Sears, Cole McConchie.
Cricket
Lucky break for Sanju Samson? Unwell Abhishek Sharma could miss IND vs NAM, T20 World Cup clash
