T20 World Cup 2026: Strongest New Zealand playing XI
In the history of the T20 World Cup, New Zealand has always been regarded as one of the contenders to lift the title; however, they are still waiting for their first T20 World Cup title. Even in the previous edition, the Kiwi team faced their worst campaign in the T20 WC history. They were eliminated in the group stage after getting defeats against Afghanistan and the West Indies.
Well, this time, this team will enter with some major changes from the previous edition. Under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner, New Zealand is looking like a very strong side that can finally end its drought in the upcoming edition. Although they recently faced a series of defeats against the hosts, India, they know how to perform on big stages. Last year, New Zealand women also lifted the T20 World Cup; now the men's team also wants to do the same thing.
For the upcoming edition, New Zealand has announced a well-settled team in which veteran and young players are involved. The team has destructive and anchor batters, a variety of all-rounders, and bowlers. The team has Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Tim Seifert, like destructive batters who have the potential to change the match scenarios single-handedly. While Devon Conway can easily anchor the innings.
Apart from captain Mitchell Santner, the team has all-rounders like Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips. In the bowling department, the team's attack will be led by Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy. In the spin department, the team has an experienced bowler in Ish Sodhi, who will be supported by Mitchell Santner himself. It will be interesting to see which players the New Zealand team selects for the playing XI in the first match.
Devon Conway had a disappointing India tour, where he scored 64 runs in 4 innings. He was dropped from the team. He is expected to miss the opening games. Tim Seifert will open with Finn Allen. At 3, Rachin Ravindra will bat. Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell will feature in the middle order, followed by Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell. This duo will also be involved as spinners. While Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, and Matt Henry will be the pacers.
If Mitchell Santner and his teammates perform at their best, they should be in the top four. However, Group D is the most difficult group in this World Cup tournament. To get to the Super 8, they must defeat Afghanistan or South Africa in addition to Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
Strongest New Zealand Playing XI
Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, and Matt Henry
