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.

Two years back, on June 27, 2022, the cricket world watched something new in Test cricket—a new approach to playing the longest format of the game. Brandon McCullum and Ben Stokes rebranded their playing style with a "never die" and "must win" attitude. Over time, this method of playing Tests, labelled as the 'Bazball.' In that year, England completely destroyed New Zealand and won the three-match Test series by 3-0.

The interesting fact is that, in all 3 matches, the England cricket team, captained by Ben Stokes and coached by former New Zealand international Brandon McCullum, won by chasing two hundred and fifty-plus runs. In the first test of the 3-match series, the target was 277; in the second and third games, England chased down the targets of 299 and 296, respectively. 

Match-by-match results of the England vs. New Zealand 3-match Test series, 2022:

• 1st Test, Lord's:

New Zealand: 132 and 285

England: 141 and 279/5

England won the match by 5 wickets.

• 2nd Test, Trent Bridge:

New Zealand: 553 and 284

England: 539 and 299/5 

England won the match by 5 wickets. 

Read More: Jofra Archer officially returns ahead of ENG vs IND 2nd Test match

• 3rd Test, Headingley Carnegie:

New Zealand: 329 and 326

England: 360 and 296/3 

England won the match by 7 wickets. 

After the conclusion of the third match in Headingley, England became the first team to chase down three consecutive 250-plus scores in a series. Before the series, the team was not enjoying a good run in the Whites. Before locking horns with the Blackcaps, England won twice out of 17 games. It was a transition phase for the England cricket team, which was newly shaped by coach Brandon McCullum and Ben Stokes. McCullum, during his days as an active cricketer, was known for taking risks and his fearless approach. The same he injected into the team's nucleus. 

With five international teams scheduled to tour the nation in various formats, New Zealand Cricket has formally announced an exciting 2025–26 home season. With a 46-day cricket schedule that includes T20 thrillers, ODI rivalries, and a coveted three-match Test series against the West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will all be represented. As the White Ferns get ready for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, the season also features important games for them.

Black Caps fans can look forward to high-voltage contests starting with the T20I series against Australia in early October, followed by a white-ball series against England and a full multi-format tour by the West Indies. A five-match T20I series against South Africa in March 2026, staged as double-headers alongside the women’s team, rounds out a dynamic men’s season.

For the White Ferns, the historic first-ever series against Zimbabwe and a crucial series against South Africa make this one of the most exciting home summers in recent memory. Here is the full match schedule.

New Zealand Men’s Schedule 2025–26

vs Australia – T20I Series

vs England – T20I and ODI Series

vs West Indies – T20Is, ODIs and Tests

vs South Africa – T20I Series (Double-Headers with Women)

New Zealand Women’s Schedule 2025–26

vs Zimbabwe – T20I and ODI Series

vs South Africa – ODI Series

A Big Summer of Cricket Ahead for New Zealand

There's something for every fan this summer: historic rivalries, new encounters, high-pressure Test cricket, and increased attention on women's cricket. Having double-headers with the women's and men's teams is a big move towards inclusivity and entertainment.

With the T20 World Cup and Women's World Cup on the horizon, this summer is not only about home cricket but also making a statement for international competitions. The Black Caps and White Ferns take their turn in the spotlight, and now it's the turn of the supporters all over New Zealand to pack the seats. Watch this space as squads are named and preparation starts for what is going to be an exciting summer of cricket.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a blockbuster home schedule for the 2025–26 season, featuring visits from Australia, England, the West Indies, and South Africa across formats. The Blackcaps will kick off their summer with a three-match T20I series against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia beginning October 1, followed by a white-ball series against England comprising three T20Is and three ODIs starting October 18 and 26, respectively. The West Indies will arrive on tour for five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Tests starting November 5, with the first Test beginning on December 6.

The White Ferns will start their home campaign early next year after their participation in the ODI World Cup 2025, in India and Sri Lanka. Their season opens with a historic T20I series against Zimbabwe—the first-ever between the two sides—starting February 25, followed by a three-match ODI series beginning March 5, part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025–29. The women’s team will then face South Africa in a five-match T20I series scheduled as double-headers alongside the men’s T20Is from March 15 to 25. Additionally, they’ll play three standalone T20Is against the South African women from March 29 to April 4.

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed delight over the packed and diverse schedule, especially highlighting the historic series against Zimbabwe and the double-header format with South Africa. "It’s great to welcome such a diverse range of opponents for both the Blackcaps and White Ferns, and especially pleasing for NZC to host the first-ever series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand women. Fans will see top-tier cricket across all our major centers, with the doubleheaders against South Africa offering a chance to watch the very best female and male cricketers in the world on display in a unique day-out experience," he said. He also added, “We’re thrilled to build this exciting home summer around the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and on the back of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, giving our players a chance to shine on the global stage as well as at home.”

Pacer Kyle Jamieson called it a “marquee summer,” stressing the challenge and excitement that comes with hosting such high-caliber opposition. “The caliber of opposition means we’ll be constantly tested for the duration of the season, and that’s what you want as a cricketer. It’s great to have another three-Test series at home, and I’m sure the fans will get in behind the Test team as they have in seasons gone by. It’s always special to play in front of a home crowd, and we’re hoping Kiwis will get out in force to support us once again this summer,” Jamieson said.

See Also: ENG vs IND: Three key reasons why India lost first Test match at Leeds, Headingley

New Zealand's home schedule 2025-26

Australia—T20I Series

England—T20I & ODI Series

vs West Indies—T20Is, ODIs & Tests

T20I Series

ODI Series

Test Series

New Zealand Women’s 2025–26 Home Schedule

Zimbabwe—T20I & ODI Series

T20I Series

ODI Series (Part of ICC Women’s Championship)

See Also: ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 5: Major highlights and key performances

vs South Africa—T20I Doubleheaders (Men & Women)

vs South Africa Women—ODI Series

New Zealand will visit India (IND vs NZ) in 2026 for a multi-format series. In the upcoming year, New Zealand will face India in 2 Tests, 3 One Day International matches, and 5 T20Is. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently finalized the schedule and the venues for the white ball series.

Now, today (June 22), another update has come about the upcoming series. According to the latest report, Sony will telecast the India vs. New Zealand full series. For the 2-match Test series, further updates are yet to come. It is reported that Sony will telecast 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20Is between India and New Zealand.

The T20Is against New Zealand are considered highly significant for team India. As India will co-host the upcoming ICC T20I World Cup. Ahead of the elite tournament, the series against New Zealand can be proved as the perfect stage for India for preparations. The T20I series will commence on January 21 in Nagpur and wrap up on January 31 in Trivandrum. 2026 is going to be a packed year for Team India. 

Read More: WATCH: Rishabh Pant does his famous backflip celebration after century in 1st Test vs England

SONY WILL TELECAST INDIA TOUR TO NEW ZEALAND IN 2026 🏆

- 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs & 2 Tests...!!! pic.twitter.com/VpWzZOidSY

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 22, 2025

IND vs. NZ: ODI Full Schedule

1st ODI: January 11, 2026 – Baroda (Kotambi Stadium) – 1:30 PM IST

2nd ODI: January 14, 2026 – Rajkot – 1:30 PM IST

3rd ODI: January 18, 2026 – Indore – 1:30 PM IST

IND vs. NZ: T20I Schedule

1st T20I: January 21, 2026 – Nagpur – 7:00 PM IST

2nd T20I: January 23, 2026 – Raipur – 7:00 PM IST

3rd T20I: January 25, 2026 – Guwahati – 7:00 PM IST

4th T20I: January 28, 2026 – Visakhapatnam – 7:00 PM IST

5th T20I: January 31, 2026 – Thiruvananthapuram – 7:00 PM IST

England is all set to host the biggest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, with 12 teams playing across seven cities from June 12 to July 5. The tournament will begin with England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston and end with the final at Lord’s. A total of 33 matches will be played at famous grounds like The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, and Bristol.

India has been placed in Group 1 along with Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and two qualifying teams. Group 2 includes England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and two more qualifiers. The semi-finals will be played at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, and the final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.

"But India being in the same group as Pakistan has once again started debate. Before the groups were announced, there were reports that India didn’t want to be clubbed with Pakistan. The reason was clear India didn’t want to give any kind of benefit to a country linked to terrorism".

India has taken a strong stand by cutting off cricketing ties with Pakistan in recent years. So now, being placed in the same group raises questions. Many feel this move goes against India’s clear stand on not supporting Pakistan in any form on or off the field.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Massive crowd gathers around MS Dhoni's Ranchi farmhouse after IPL 2025

2026 Women's T20 World Cup- Groups

Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, two teams from Global Qualifier

Group 2: England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, two teams from Global Qualifier

2026 Women’s T20 World Cup- Fixtures

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the full schedule for New Zealand’s white-ball tour of India, set to take place in January 2026. The series would be a crucial component of India's build-up before the ICC T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka later in the year. The tour consists of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

The three-game ODI series starts on January 11 in Baroda, with the other games taking place in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18 respectively. The five T20Is will be played immediately after, from January 21 in Nagpur to January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram. The ODI matches are all scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST, whereas the T20Is are to commence at 7:00 PM IST under lights.

These fixtures were ratified in the Apex Council Meeting of June 14. In addition to the international fixtures, the BCCI also unveiled the domestic cricket calendar for the season 2025–26, beginning with the Duleep Trophy on August 28. The Ranji Trophy will be conducted in two phases, one from October 15 to November 19, and the second from January 22 to February 1. The grand final is on February 28, 2026.

New Zealand Tour of India 2026 – Full Schedule

See Also: MLC 2025, Match 4: Seattle Orcas vs Washington Freedom Full Match Highlights

Further, India's top domestic T20 tournament, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is set to take place from November 26 to December 18. With international fixtures and a tight domestic season, Indian cricket is set for an action-packed and closely watched calendar year.

Flambouyant New Zealand opener Finn Allen set the stage on fire on the opening day of Major League Cricket 2025. Representing San Francisco Unicorns, Allen launched a massive assault on the Washington Freedom bowlers, leaving them completely paralyzed. The 26-year-old went on a rampage, slamming a record-breaking 151 (51) to power the Unicorns to a monstrous total of 269. The Kiwi batter's explosive knock set the tone for a massive win as the San Francisco Unicorns were able to comfortably roll over Washington Freedom and dismiss them cheaply for 146 well inside 15 overs. 

It was certainly an innings of sheer carnage which featured 19 sixes and five boundaries. On the back of such an electrifying knock, Allen has shattered several long-standing records in world cricket. The swashbuckling Kiwi pinch-hitter now has the most number of sixes in a T20 innings, going past the likes of legendary Chris Gayle (vs Dhaka Dynamites in 2017) and Sahil Chauhan (vs Cyprus in 2024), each of whom has hit 18 sixes. Besides, Allen took a meager 49 deliveries to get to his 150, making it the fastest 150 in T20 cricket, eclipsing the previous best record of Dewald Brevis's (150 off 52) against the Knights in South Africa's domestic T20s in 2022.

See also: SF vs WAS Dream11 Prediction Today: Fantasy Cricket Tips Playing11 and Pitch Report 

Most number of sixes in a T20 innings (Top 5)

A major chunk of Allen's runs came on the leg side. The cow corner region was his favorite scoring area where he nailed a countless number of sixes. While a few mighty blows also came over long off and the straighter boundary. Almost no Washington Freedom bowler was spared in this contest. However, Ben Sears, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Mitch Owen were the three main bowlers who paid a heavy price as they were taken to the cleaners by Allen big time.  

His onslaught came to an end during the 18th over when he was removed by Owen when he tried to go downtown over long off but failed to clear the reach of Phillips near the boundary ropes. The Unicorns eventually registered a comfortable win over the Freedom and have climbed to the top of the points table on the back of a thumping 123-run victory. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, made the announcement of Mike Hesson being appointed as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team from May 26, a day following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season. Hesson, who has coached the Black Caps to the 2015 World Cup final, has also been associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) of the IPL, among other franchises. His success with Islamabad United, the defending champions of the PSL, recently made him a strong candidate after the PCB reviewed many applications in light of the team's tour of New Zealand in April.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did believe Hesson was a sound appointment based on his record of developing competitive teams. Hesson replaces interim coach Aqib Javed, who stepped down after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan bowed out in the group stage. Javed has switched to Director of High Performance as a complement to Hesson's appointment, with the PCB seeking to reinvigorate its white-ball cricket prior to a jam-packed international calendar, which will feature a home ODI series and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

A New Era for Pakistan's White-Ball Cricket

Hesson's appointment has been welcomed widely on social media, where supporters and commentators view it as a big win for the PCB, as he possesses tactical brains and an understanding of Pakistani cricket via the PSL. His first task will probably be a T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing in late May, with games in Lahore and Faisalabad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan mens cricket team effective from May 26, a day after the culmination of the PSL 2025 season.https://t.co/a0K9k4OQqi

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) May 13, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: List of overseas players who might miss remaining matches, Know the reason why?

The PCB is optimistic that Hesson's strategic experience will help rectify Pakistan's recent woes in limited-overs cricket, such as a disastrous Champions Trophy outing and only one victory in nine white-ball games on their New Zealand tour this year. With a new eye, Hesson wants to create a competitive team, paving the way for a revolutionary era in Pakistan's white-ball cricket.

It seems like only yesterday India faced a gut-wrenching setback in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, going out after a tight semi-final loss to New Zealand. Almost six years since then, the anguish still haunts fans and apparently, the players as well. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli, who captained the team that season, has now spoken for the first time about the tearful exit and the deep hurt it caused him.

India had dominated the group stage, sitting atop the table with seven wins from nine games. With confidence high, everything was expected. But in rain-hit semi-final at Old Trafford, Manchester, things did not go according to script. The game spilled into a reserve day after incessant rain brought the game to a standstill after New Zealand's innings. Next day, on tricky overcast conditions, India's batting disintegrated early.

Talking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli shared that how disoriented and numb he was after the loss. "The 2019 loss was massive; that was the first time actually after the semifinals got over, and the next morning, we were going to leave Manchester. You know when you wake up, and you have no kind of understanding of what you want to do… like you're dazed," he said.

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Kohli remembers how rain and early collapses dashed India's 2019 World Cup ambitions

Reminiscing about what happened, Kohli pointed out how the rain was instrumental in disrupting India's rhythm. "Everything was all right. We had to play in the afternoon, and there was rain, and then we had to turn up the next morning, early morning conditions, this, that and the others. I was like, what are the chances."

Trent Boult's initial blows, including the key scalp of Kohli himself, left India gasping. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja staged a brave counterattack, but the Men in Blue came up short by 18 runs.

Explaining his state of mind after the defeat, Kohli stated, "It was like the feeling you get when you have a horrible hangover I could not make sense of it."

For the fans and players, too, that semi-final is still one of Indian cricket's most painful what-ifs.