New Zealand is set to take on the world as they gear up for the upcoming 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup. The BlackCaps departed for the Caribbean on Wednesday, May 29, as shown in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter). In a creative twist, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) appointed two 10-year-olds, Angus and Matilda, to announce the BlackCaps squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
This unique approach, where the young duo read out the 15-player roster during a press conference, quickly went viral on social media. But Angus and Matilda’s involvement didn’t end there. They went the extra mile by seeing the players off at the airport before their departure for the marquee event in the West Indies and USA.
The two were seen engaging with the squad at the check-in desk, adding a heartwarming touch to the team’s send-off. The enthusiastic duo conducted light-hearted interviews with the players, asking fun questions such as “What will you be watching on the plane?” and “Who will you miss the most?”
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They also congratulated each player on their selection and snapped photos with them, making the farewell memorable as the BlackCaps embarked on their journey to the global 20-team tournament. Several Kiwi players, including skipper Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Trent Boult, and Glenn Phillips, are coming off the recently concluded IPL 2024 in India.
From the squad announcement press conference to the departure check-in desk ✈️
Join Angus and Matilda on @T20WorldCup Departure Day 🎤 #T20WorldCup #CricketNation #Cricket pic.twitter.com/qIMjDClPfp
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 28, 2024
Other team members had been part of a five-match T20I series in Pakistan earlier. The Williamson-led side will go straight into the group stage games without any warm-up matches. New Zealand is placed in Group C, featuring the West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea.
The Kiwis will open their campaign against Afghanistan on June 7 in Guyana before facing the co-hosts, West Indies, in Trinidad five days later. Their final group stage games are also scheduled in Trinidad, where they will take on Uganda and Papua New Guinea, respectively.
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With a blend of experience and youthful energy, New Zealand is ready to make a significant impact at the T20 World Cup 2024. The team’s preparation, spirit, and the unique send-off by their youngest fans set a positive tone as they aim for glory on the world stage.
New Zealand squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024:
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.
Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears
