Jacob Duffy earns maiden T20 World Cup selection after a prolific 2025 as New Zealand name a strong squad led by Mitchell Santner.
🏏 Duffy Earns Maiden T20 World Cup Selection
Duffy earns maiden T20 World Cup selection after New Zealand named pacer Jacob Duffy in their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to begin next month in India. It marks the first World Cup appearance of Duffy’s career, a reward for a sensational 2025 that saw him collect 81 international wickets across formats.
The selectors have opted for experience blended with form, with Mitchell Santner entrusted to lead the Black Caps in what promises to be a challenging tournament on subcontinent pitches.
Breakthrough Year Earns Duffy World Cup Call-Up
Jacob Duffy’s inclusion comes on the back of a prolific year in international cricket, where his consistency and ability to strike at crucial moments stood out. His performances across white-ball cricket made him impossible to ignore, eventually earning him a maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup selection.
With his ability to swing the new ball and execute variations at the death, Duffy adds depth to New Zealand’s already formidable pace unit.
Santner Leads Experienced New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner will captain an experienced New Zealand side packed with proven match-winners. However, Tim Robinson, Bevon Jacobs and Zakary Foulkes have missed out on selection, while Kyle Jamieson has been named as the travelling reserve.
The pace attack alongside Duffy features Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne, with James Neesham providing a seam-bowling all-round option. Santner will spearhead the spin department, supported by veteran leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who last played a T20 World Cup in India a decade ago.
Power-Packed Batting Line-Up for Subcontinent Conditions
New Zealand’s batting unit is well suited for Indian conditions. Finn Allen will open the innings alongside wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, while Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra provide flexibility and firepower through the middle order.
Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell add further balance as proven all-round options, giving the Black Caps multiple combinations depending on conditions and opposition.
Jamieson on Standby Amid Paternity Leave Concerns
Kyle Jamieson has been named as the travelling reserve and could play a role during the tournament. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson are both expecting children during the competition, and the pair may be granted short-term paternity leave, potentially opening the door for Jamieson to feature.
This contingency planning underlines New Zealand’s depth and foresight heading into a demanding global event.
Coach Rob Walter Backs Squad Experience
Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in the selected group, highlighting their familiarity with subcontinent conditions.
“World Cups are special and there’s few better places to play one than in India, which is very much the heartbeat of the modern game,” Walter said.
“We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different.”
Walter added that the squad’s collective experience could be a decisive factor in high-pressure matches.
New Zealand’s Group D Fixtures
New Zealand have been placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and UAE. They begin their campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8, followed by UAE at the same venue two days later.
A blockbuster clash against South Africa awaits in Ahmedabad on February 14, before the Black Caps wrap up their group stage against Canada back in Chennai on February 17.
For full fixtures, points tables and squad updates, readers can follow the official ICC coverage on ESPNcricinfo.
New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi
Travelling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson
