New Zealand announce squad for T20 tri-series aganist Zimbabwe and South Africa 

New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, marking the start of their preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. One notable absence is former captain Kane Williamson, who has made himself unavailable due to commitments with Middlesex in the County Championship and the London Spirit in The Hundred. This decision opens the door for younger players to step up in his absence.

The tri-series will serve as the first major international assignment for Rob Walter, New Zealand's newly appointed head coach. Walter stressed the significance of the tour, especially with the World Cup approaching. “I think we’ve got a really strong squad for this tour, and I’m looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, all of our upcoming series are critically important to our buildup. This series gives us the opportunity to test the breadth of our squad, explore different players, and potentially different combinations against some quality opposition,” Walter said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

A few regulars are missing from the tour. Lockie Ferguson has been rested, Ben Sears is out with a side strain, and Kyle Jamieson is unavailable due to personal reasons as he awaits the birth of his child. Devon Conway and Mitch Hay are also not part of the squad. Wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Tim Seifert. The team will be led by Mitchell Santner, while Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra make their return after missing the March series against Pakistan due to IPL 2025 commitments. Pacer Adam Milne also returns for the first time since November.

Walter banks on experience and new faces

Matt Henry, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is back in the squad and will be eager to make an impact. Another exciting inclusion is 23-year-old uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs, who retains his place after touring with the side in Sri Lanka and is expected to make his debut during the series. “Adam’s a really skilled T20 bowler; he’s particularly proficient with the ball up front and brings that extra pace and bounce. With the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson out, it’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head in Adam,” Walter added.

Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne 🤝 Full story | https://t.co/1jOONKyaso #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/33CPm3uT0K

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025

See Also: WI vs AUS: West Indies coach meets match referee Javagal Srinath over umpiring controversy in ongoing first Test between West Indies and Australia

This squad gives New Zealand an ideal chance to try new combinations and strengthen their bench strength ahead of the global tournament. With a good blend of experience and young talent, the BlackCaps will aim to fine-tune their plans under their new coach and captain.

New Zealand T20I squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa T20 Tri-Series 2025:
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.