| 1st Match | 1952 |
| Captain | Test: Tom Latham ODI: Mitchell Santner T20I: Mitchell Santner |
| Coach | Mike Sandle |
| World Cup Titles | ODI: 0 T20I: 0 |
| Board | New Zealand Cricket |
New Zealand Team Bio
New Zealand has established itself as one of the most consistent and resilient sides in T20 internationals, known for its disciplined approach, smart cricket, and ability to punch above its weight despite a smaller player pool compared to bigger nations. The Black Caps made their T20 World Cup debut in 2007 and have qualified for every edition since, reaching the semi-finals multiple times (2016, 2022) and achieving their best result as runners-up in 2021 under Kane Williamson, falling short in a thrilling final against Australia.
Their style emphasises balanced squads with strong all-rounders, reliable pace, and effective spin options. In recent years, they’ve transitioned leadership in white-ball cricket, with all-rounder Mitchell Santner taking the T20I captaincy, bringing calm tactical acumen and left-arm spin prowess.
The team features explosive batters like Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips, consistent anchors such as Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, and a versatile bowling attack led by experienced pacers and spinners. Despite a group-stage exit in 2024, New Zealand arrives in 2026 with renewed focus, depth in spin for spin-friendly venues like Chennai, and a hunger to go one better than their 2021 heartbreak. Their blend of youth and experience positions them as dark horses capable of challenging the favourites in the high-stakes tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup 2026
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
New Zealand schedule for T20 World Cup
| Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | Stage | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/02/2026 | New Zealand | Afghanistan | Chennai | Group D | 11:00 |
| 10/02/2026 | New Zealand | UAE | Chennai | Group D | 15:00 |
| 14/02/2026 | New Zealand | South Africa | Ahmedabad | Group D | 19:00 |
| 17/02/2026 | New Zealand | Canada | Chennai | Group D | 11:00 |
History
The earliest known mention of cricket in New Zealand comes from Reverend Henry Williams, who noted in his diary in December 1832 that boys were playing cricket on Horotutu Beach in Paihia. In 1835, Charles Darwin, during HMS Beagle’s visit to the Bay of Islands, observed a game of cricket at Waimate North. This match was played by freed Māori slaves and a missionary’s son. Darwin described the scene in The Voyage of the Beagle, mentioning the involvement of young men who had been freed from slavery by missionaries.
The first documented cricket match in New Zealand occurred in Wellington in December 1842, with the Wellington Spectator reporting a game between a “Red” team and a “Blue” team from the Wellington Club on December 28. The first fully recorded match took place in Nelson in March 1844, as reported by the Examiner, featuring the Surveyors against Nelson.
New Zealand hosted its first international cricket team, Parr’s All England XI, in the 1863–64 season. Between 1864 and 1914, 22 international teams toured the country, including six from England, 15 from Australia, and one from Fiji.
New Zealand Cricket Team Key Players
Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson is a modern-day cricketing great and a cornerstone of the New Zealand team. Renowned for his elegant technique and composure, Williamson excels in all formats of the game. As a top-order batter, he combines patience with the ability to score freely, making him a reliable run-scorer. Williamson captained New Zealand to their maiden ICC World Test Championship title in 2021 and two consecutive ICC Cricket World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019. With over 8,000 Test and ODI runs, he is among New Zealand’s most successful cricketers. His leadership, consistency, and sportsmanship define his illustrious career.
Tom Latham
Tom Latham is a dependable opener and a vital member of the New Zealand cricket team. Known for his solid technique and adaptability, he excels in both Test and limited-overs formats. Latham is recognised for his ability to anchor innings and perform under pressure. He serves as the Test captain, showcasing calm leadership on the field. With over 5,000 Test runs and consistent contributions in ODIs, Latham is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting lineup and a respected figure in cricket.
Devon Conway
Devon Conway is a prolific left-handed batsman who has quickly established himself as a key player for New Zealand in all formats. Born in South Africa, he made his international debut for the Black Caps in 2020 and has since impressed with his consistency and elegant stroke play. Conway’s remarkable double century on his Test debut at Lord’s in 2021 highlighted his ability to perform on the big stage. Equally adept in ODIs and T20Is, he combines classical technique with modern aggression. His adaptability, calm demeanour, and match-winning performances make him an integral part of New Zealand’s batting lineup.
Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner is a versatile all-rounder who has been a vital part of New Zealand’s cricket setup since his debut in 2015. A left-arm orthodox spinner and a handy lower-order batsman, Santner’s calm temperament and ability to adapt make him a dependable asset in all formats. Known for his precision and control with the ball, he often breaks partnerships in crucial moments. With the bat, he can play crucial rescue innings or accelerate when needed. Santner’s sharp fielding adds another dimension to his game, making him one of New Zealand’s most reliable and well-rounded players.
