New Zealand Squad Announced for NZ vs WI T20I Series

New Zealand Cricket, on Tuesday, announced its New Zealand squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies commencing on Wednesday, November 5, at Eden Park in Auckland. The five-match series will mark New Zealand’s final T20I assignment before the 2025 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Other major talking points include the return of Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi, both of whom make their comeback following injury and rotation breaks. The series ushers in a new era for New Zealand T20 cricket following Kane Williamson’s retirement from the format.

Kyle Jamieson returns to the New Zealand pace attack

The fast bowler Kyle Jamieson comes back to the New Zealand fold following his recovery from the side strain that had ruled him out of the ODI series against England. Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that Jamieson has been bowling at full intensity and is fit to feature in the NZ vs WI T20I series.

“Kyle has been back bowling this week and is tracking nicely for this series,” said Walter.

Jamieson’s inclusion adds to New Zealand’s quick-bowling resources, given that a spate of senior fast bowlers – Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Ben Sears – are all injured.

Ish Sodhi Rejoins as Experienced Spin Option

Experienced leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, the most-capped T20I player for New Zealand, returns to the fold for the first time since last October’s T20 series against Australia. With his experience, Sodhi will be an asset in controlling the middle overs, which is important as the team prepares for the T20 World Cup later this year.

“Ish is our most capped T20I player, and it’s always great to have his skills, energy, and experience back in the group,” added Walter.

Sodhi’s return adds depth to the spin department, spearheaded by captain Mitchell Santner and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.

Nathan Smith Earns Place in the New Zealand Squad

Some of the inclusions in the New Zealand squad for the NZ vs WI series are uncapped all-rounder Nathan Smith from Wellington. The 25-year-old, who impressed in domestic cricket and made promising starts in Tests and ODIs, could make his T20I debut in this series.

“Nathan’s made an impressive start to his international career in Tests and ODIs, and we back him to deliver if given the opportunity in T20Is,” said Walter.

Smith’s inclusion underlines continued New Zealand investment in the development of all-rounders who can contribute in all phases of the game.

Matt Henry and Other Key Players Miss Out Due to Injury

Pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out of the T20I series as he recovers from a calf strain sustained during the ODI series against England. Henry will complete a conditioning and rehabilitation block to ensure he’s fully fit, said NZC, for the ODI and Test matches against the West Indies later in the summer.

“Matt has played every game since the tour of Zimbabwe in July, so it’s the right time for him to have a short break and rehab his calf,” Walter explained.

Apart from Henry, a number of key frontline players were also not available: Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Glenn Phillips (groin) and Ben Sears (hamstring).

New Era for New Zealand T20 Cricket Following the Retirement of Kane Williamson

This NZ vs WI T20I series is New Zealand’s first outing since Kane Williamson announced his retirement from T20 internationals. Head coach Rob Walter praised the veteran’s incredible contribution to New Zealand’s success in the shortest format.

“Kane’s contribution in this format has been immense, both as a run-scorer and as a leader. To have captained the T20 side in 75 of his 93 matches says everything about his influence,” said Walter.

Williamson’s absence means Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side, guiding a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents.

Full New Zealand Squad for NZ vs WI T20I Series

Mitchell Santner (captain)

Michael Bracewell

Mark Chapman

Devon Conway

Jacob Duffy

Zak Foulkes

Kyle Jamieson

Daryl Mitchell

Jimmy Neesham

Rachin Ravindra

Tim Robinson

Tim Seifert (wk)

Nathan Smith

Ish Sodhi Upcoming Schedule: NZ vs WI Series Overview While the five-match NZ vs WI T20I series starts at Eden Park, Auckland, on November 5, it will be followed by three ODIs and three Test matches. The series is important for the two teams going into the ICC T20 World Cup 2025, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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