Tim Seifert, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter, is establishing himself as one of the most adaptable yet destructive T20 batters in the game today. He has been consistently performing across eight T20 leagues since July 2024 and is now being viewed as a game changer against spin bowling.
Living the Franchise Cricket Dream
Since mid-2024, Tim Seifert has been playing T20 leagues pretty much. He has played in eight T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Lanka Premier League (LPL) (and travelled from Galle to Guyana), since mid-2024.
Although it has been difficult at times, it has been very satisfying. Despite the struggles of travel and of being away from his partner and young children, Seifert is enjoying life as a T20 cricketer. “It can be difficult on family,” he acknowledges, “but it’s also nice to take them on certain tours and share the game with them.”
Tim Seifert’s Transition: From McCullum’s Ward to International Sensation
When Tim Seifert made his debut in 2018, he was hailed as the next Brendon McCullum bold, unconventional, and reckless. McCullum himself noticed the fire and signed him for the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in 2020, where Seifert experienced CPL success at an early stage.
Nonetheless, the authentic development for Seifert came through his body of work in the international T20 format. In the last 14 months, he has changed his game and shot variations, adapted to different conditions, and maximized his strengths especially against spin bowling.
Read More
Dominating Spin: Seifert’s Biggest Strength in CPL 2025
In CPL 2025, Tim Seifert was the tournament’s strongest spin batter. He compiled 200 runs off 103 balls against spin with a strike rate of 194.17, the highest for batters facing more than 50 balls against spin.
His competence to face top-class spinners such as Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein whom he hit 36 off 17 deliveries against has transformed him into one of the most intimidating top-order batsmen in the tournament.
“I’ve always had the square game – my hockey background helps me play those sweeps. I think over the past, those used to be my go-to shots. But now it’s actually just trying to pick the right times, right conditions, right situations of the games to play those shots. And if you are on a good wicket, you can look to hit straight more often. Batting against spin has definitely been one of my areas of focus over the last two years and it’s paying off.”
Read More
A Career-Best Century: 125* Off 53 Balls in Gros Islet
Seifert’s standout performance came against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, where he smashed an unbeaten 125 off 53 balls, including a 40-ball century, equalling Andre Russell’s CPL record.
Chasing 205, Seifert anchored the innings and finished the job himself something he takes great pride in.
“When it’s your day, you’ve got to finish the job for your team,” Seifert reflects.
Versatility at the Top: From Middle Order to Opening Star
Originally signed by St Lucia Kings in 2024 as Heinrich Klaasen’s replacement, Seifert was pushed higher up the order when Faf du Plessis got injured. He has made the most of being an opener, making 338 runs from 8 innings with an average of 48.28 and a strike rate of 178.83. No. 1 to No. 7, Tim Seifert has played nigh-on every position in the CPL, which demonstrated unparalleled adaptability.
“Adapting benefits the team. I began domestically in the middle order but playing up has served me well,” he says.
Back-to-Back CPL Titles? St Lucia Kings on the Brink
With Du Plessis, Noor Ahmad, and Matthew Forde not playing, most thought St Lucia Kings were going to collapse. But with Tim Seifert on a red-hot streak and Daren Sammy leading the team with inspirational leadership, the Kings are now targeting two CPL titles in a row a feat only TKR has managed so far.
T20 World Cup 2026: Seifert’s Eyes on a Bigger Prize
Aside from franchise cricket, Tim Seifert is targeting the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Having flourished in subcontinent conditions leading scorer in LPL 2024 and IPL 2025 champion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru Seifert stands to be New Zealand’s go-to opening option.
Partnering with Finn Allen, their destructive combination is being compared to the iconic “Bash Brothers” Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn.
“Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum are the OGs, but I won’t say no to the ‘Bash Brothers’ after those two guys,” Seifert laughs. “It has been great fun opening the batting with Finn. We’re great mates off the field as well, so to spend that time with one of your best mates, it’s fun. We just look to try and throw the first punch and put the pressure on the bowlers.” Seifert explains.
The Dance That Broke the Internet
Following his record-breaking ton, Seifert stunned the world with a viral “hop dance” which was inspired by a local St Lucian song. “I don’t think I did it right. (laughs) There’s a dance that’s going quite viral in St Lucia at the moment.
One of the local artists has done the song and that’s the dance move for that song. We had a promotion at a street party the night before and that was the move. Everyone was doing it. I didn’t even think about it, leading into it. It just happened in the moment and everyone has loved it so far.”
ALSO READ: Explained: Kane Williamson’s Casual Contract And His T20 World Cup 2026 Plans
