New Zealand announces strong T20I squad for tri-series vs South Africa & Zimbabwe

New Zealand Cricket, on Friday, June 27, announced a strong T20I squad to face South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe in the upcoming T20I tri-series, scheduled to take place from Monday, July 14, in Zimbabwe.

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Uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs, who was also included in the New Zealand squad that faced Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series in December 2024, continues to be a part of the squad for the tri-series.

On the other hand, pacers Adam Milne and Matt Henry made their returns to the squad. While Milne made his way to the side for the first time since November 2024, Henry returned following a shoulder injury after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Also, Lockie Ferguson has been rested for the tri-series as part of the workload management. Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson pulled out of the series as he is expecting the birth of his first child. Pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out due to an injury.

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Interestingly, Kane Williamson, the former NZ skipper, continues to be absent after not being available for selection. Tim Seifert will take over the keeping duties as Devon Conway and Mitch Hay will miss out of the series.

"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," new head coach Rob Walter said.

"We've got some good experience in the side and it's nice to be able to welcome back a few of the players who missed the March series against Pakistan because of the IPL. It should be a great T20 Tri Series with South Africa who are a very strong side and Zimbabwe who play well at home in their own conditions," he added.

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"Bevon's been an outstanding performer in domestic cricket and has gained some experience in franchise leagues around the world, so it'll be a good chance for him to get back into the squad and potentially play,” he stated.

"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," he observed.

New Zealand T20I squad for the tri-series: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchel, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.New Zealand has named a strong T20I squad for the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, featuring the return of key players like Adam Milne and Matt Henry. However, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are notable absentees, with Mitchell Santner set to captain the side.

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