New Zealand faced their first defeat in three games of the T20 World Cup 2026, experiencing a loss to South Africa at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They won their first two group-stage clashes against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates in Chennai before losing to the Proteas, who completed a decent chase comfortably. 

The Blackcaps pacer, Lockie Ferguson, is set to fly back home on February 15 during the event’s group stage, as he will be at home to be with his wife, Emma, and welcome their first child. That means the pacer will not be available for selection in their last group-stage fixture against Canada on February 17 in Chennai.

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“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma, and we’re pleased that he’ll be at home for such a special occasion. At this stage, we won’t be replacing Lockie in the squad, as the plan is for him to return for the Super 8 phase of the tournament. But our travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called into the squad should we need them.” The New Zealand Cricket board (NZC) expressed.

Lockie Ferguson to miss T20 World Cup 2026 due to paternity leave

Head coach of the Kiwi side, Rob Walter, is excited for Ferguson and hopes he will join the squad for the potential Group 8 clash. They haven’t named a replacement for the expressive pacer. In his absence, one of the travelling reserves, Ben Sears and McConchie, will join the side.

Ferguson didn’t have an impressive outing against the Rainbow Nation in Ahmedabad as he conceded 33 runs in his 3.1 overs, but got the breakthrough with the new ball, removing the left-handed opening batter of the Proteas, Quinton de Kock, for 20 runs in 14 balls.

New Zealand, in case of being qualified for the Super 8 encounter, will travel to Sri Lanka for those three games and will be up against England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in the event.