BLACKCAPS pace-bowling spearhead Jacob Duffy is set for his first senior World Cup after being included in an experienced 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, starting next month.
The 31-year-old is the only first timer in a well-established BLACKCAPS squad boasting 1064 T20I caps and to be captained by Mitch Santner, who is set to attend his ninth senior ICC global event.
Duffy, the second ranked ICC T20I bowler in the world, has been in red-hot form for the BLACKCAPS across the formats, finishing 2025 with a total 81 international wickets at an average of 17 from 36 matches, breaking Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year record of 79.
The remainder of the squad has a familiar feel with Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne the pace-bowlers, and Jimmy Neesham the pace-bowling all-rounder.
In addition to the captain, there are four other spin options with the BLACKCAPS second-highest T20I wicket-taker Ish Sodhi the sole specialist, alongside all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.
For Santner and Sodhi, a T20 World Cup in India will be somewhat of a full circle moment, with both players having made names for themselves in the 2016 version of the tournament also in India.
Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert are the specialist batters.
Seifert, who will take the gloves in India, will join the squad following a stint in Australia's Big Bash League, where he opened his campaign for the Melbourne Renegades with a fifth T20 hundred (102 off 56 balls).
Allen (finger/hamstring), Chapman (ankle), Ferguson (calf), Henry (calf), and Santner (adductor) are undergoing respective return-to-play plans and are currently on track to be fit for the tournament.
With Ferguson and Henry's partners due to give birth during the tournament period it is likely they will be granted short-term paternity leave.
Kyle Jamieson will travel with the squad as the pace-bowling reserve.
BLACKCAPS ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad
Mitchell Santner (c) Northern Brave
Finn Allen Auckland Aces
Michael Bracewell Wellington Firebirds
Mark Chapman Auckland Aces
Devon Conway Wellington Firebirds
Jacob Duffy Volts
Lockie Ferguson Auckland Aces
Matt Henry Canterbury Kings
Daryl Mitchell Canterbury Kings
Adam Milne Wellington Firebirds
James Neesham Auckland Aces
Glenn Phillips Volts
Rachin Ravindra Wellington Firebirds
Tim Seifert Northern Brave
Ish Sodhi Canterbury Kings
*Kyle Jamieson Canterbury Kings - Pace-bowling reserve
BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter said it was an exciting time for all involved.
“Firstly, a big congratulations to all of the players selected for this World Cup,” said Walter.
“World Cups are special and there’s few better places to play one than in India, which is very much the heartbeat of the modern game.
“I’m really happy with the skills and experience of this squad and I think we have a group which can make New Zealand proud."
Walter said the squad covered all bases.
“As always, the balance of the squad is critical.
“We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different.
“This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable."
Walter said the squad was well prepared.
"The group have had a healthy diet of T20 cricket leading into this World Cup, with three T20 International series to start the home summer, followed by the Super Smash and franchise opportunities.
“We’ve also got a hugely exciting tour of India, which will be a big challenge and provide ideal preparation for what’s to come."
The BLACKCAPS have been assigned to Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the UAE, with their opening match taking place on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan.
Matches will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport, with live scoring available at nzc.nz and the NZC App.
BLACKCAPS ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Schedule
Warm-up - v USA - Friday 6 February, 2.30am NZT (Navi Mumbai)
1st T20I - v Afghanistan - Sunday 8 February, 6.30pm NZT (Chennai)
2nd T20I - v UAE - Tuesday 10 February, 10.30pm NZT (Chennai)
3rd T20I - v South Africa - Sunday 15 February, 2.30am NZT (Ahmedabad)
4th T20I - v Canada - Tuesday 17 February, 6.30pm NZT (Chennai)
