New Zealand Cricket has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with veteran campaigner Kane Williamson set to lead the team once again. The squad features some notable additions, including the previously undrafted Matt Henry and the returning Devon Conway.
Matt Henry, who currently plays for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, has been rewarded for his recent performances in T20 cricket. Despite only taking part in 17 T20Is for New Zealand, Henry has secured a place in the squad due to his impressive bowling skills. Head coach Gary Stead praised Henry’s commitment, stating: “Matt has worked exceptionally hard on his skills throughout the stages of a T20 game to get back into selection.”
With Adam Milne out through injury, Henry’s selection ahead of Ben Sears strengthens New Zealand’s fast bowling team. He will be joined by the experienced duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who along with the pace of Lockie Ferguson will be contesting their seventh and fifth T20 World Cups respectively.
Devon Conway, who is recovering from a thumb injury, has also been added to the squad and is likely to wear 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, is a welcome return to the squad after being sidelined for most of 2023. Bracewell’s inclusion adds depth to a batting line-up that also includes the likes of Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, all of whom can contribute with the ball in slow conditions such as those expected in the Caribbean and the United States.
Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell provide additional options as pace bowling all-rounders, 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 expected to make his T20 World Cup debut. Stead praised Ravindra’s progress, stating: “Rachin has made every contribution a win over the last 12 months and it was exciting to see him continue that trajectory in the T20 format against Australia over the summer.”
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 team’s support team includes Luke Ronchi as batting coach, Jacob Oram as bowling coach and James Foster as assistant coach with a focus on fielding.
New Zealand will begin their campaign against Afghanistan in Guyana on June 7, with the team departing for the tournament on May 23.
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