New Zealand Cricket has unveiled its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, set to unfold in the USA and the West Indies from June 2. Leading the Kiwi contingent will be the seasoned campaigner Kane Williamson, who will steer a relatively inexperienced squad through the tournament. Adding a delightful twist to the announcement, the squad revelation was entrusted to two young enthusiasts, Matilda and Angus, injecting a touch of charm into the proceedings.
The lineup features a blend of promising talents and seasoned performers, with the likes of Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Mark Chapman set to don the Black Caps jersey. Spearheading the team’s charge, Williamson, a veteran of T20 cricket, will captain the side in his sixth T20 World Cup appearance and his fourth stint as skipper. Only Tim Southee boasts more experience than Williamson in the squad, and the duo aims to set the tone with their leadership on the field.
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Following the squad reveal, New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, extended his congratulations to the selected players, emphasizing the significance of representing the nation on the global stage. Stead also commended Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra for their selection, highlighting their hard work and performance consistency.
Join special guests Matilda and Angus at the squad announcement for the upcoming @t20worldcup in the West Indies and USA. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6lZbAsFlD5
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 29, 2024
“It’s a special time representing your country at a world tournament,” remarked Gary Stead. “We expect the venues in the West Indies to offer quite varied conditions and feel we’ve selected a squad with the scope to adapt to those conditions.”
Our squad for the @t20worldcup in the West Indies and USA in June 🏏
MORE | https://t.co/a8cLkEjSDH #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OUwHjEdaPn
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 29, 2024
Speaking about Henry’s resurgence, Stead acknowledged the seamer’s dedication to enhancing his skills across all facets of the T20 game. Regarding Ravindra, Stead praised the youngster’s stellar performances over the past year, culminating in his selection for the prestigious tournament.
“Matt has worked exceptionally hard on his skills across the phases of a T20 game to come back into selection consideration,” Gary Stead noted. “Rachin has made every post a winner in the past 12 months, and it was exciting to see him continue that trajectory over the summer in the T20 format against Australia.”
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With a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, New Zealand aims to make a significant impact at the T20 World Cup, backed by a squad tailored to thrive in diverse conditions.
New Zealand’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad:
Kane Williamson (C) , Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
