New Zealand’s squad also marks the return of several key players from injury, adding both firepower and depth.
Finn Allen returns after managing finger and hamstring concerns. Since 2024, Allen has scored over 500 T20I runs at a staggering strike rate of 189.4, underlining his value at the top of the order.
Mark Chapman, back from an ankle injury, comes in after a strong showing against the West Indies where he struck at a rate above 200.
Captain Mitchell Santner returns from an adductor injury, strengthening New Zealand’s spin-heavy blueprint both with the ball and as a leader.
The pace attack, meanwhile, is reinforced by the return of Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry. Ferguson, who recovered from a calf injury sustained during the ILT20, remains a genuine threat with his blend of pace and precision. Henry, also coming back from a calf issue picked up during the Test series against the West Indies, continues to be a reliable option, consistently operating above 140 kmph and favouring a fuller length with the new ball.