New Zealand vs ZimbabweAdam MilneCricket InjuriesCricket NewsCricket Squad AnnouncementsICC Cricket World CupInternational CricketInternational MatchesIPL Injuries and ReplacementsMatt HenryNew Zealand Cricket NewsNew Zealand CricketersPlayer AnnouncementsPlayer Injuries
Adam Milne and Matt Henry Return as New Zealand Name Squad for Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series
Bevon Jacobs Retains Spot; Williamson, Ferguson Among Absentees
New Zealand have unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe, featuring hosts Zimbabwe and South Africa. The series is scheduled to begin in mid-July 2025, serving as an important preparatory step towards the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The squad sees the return of experienced pacers Adam Milne and Matt Henry, both of whom missed recent tours due to injuries. Uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs, who made his squad debut in the December series against Sri Lanka, has retained his place and will be looking to secure his maiden international cap.
Key Inclusions and Notable Absentees
Injury Recoveries, Workload Management Shape Squad Dynamics
Pace spearheads Milne and Henry make comebacks following their respective injury layoffs—Milne last played in November, while Henry returns after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The bowling unit, however, is missing Ben Sears due to injury, Lockie Ferguson, who is being rested for workload management, and Kyle Jamieson, currently unavailable as he awaits the birth of his child.
Wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Tim Seifert, with Devon Conway and Mitch Hay unavailable. Former skipper Kane Williamson has also opted out of selection for personal reasons.
You can read about Kyle Jamieson’s injury history and recovery on this detailed player profile.
Rob Walter’s First Series as Head Coach
New Zealand’s newly appointed head coach Rob Walter will lead the squad for the first time in an international assignment. Speaking ahead of the tour, Walter expressed confidence in the squad and its balance of youth and experience.
“We’ve got a strong unit for this tour and it’s great to have some experienced names like Adam and Matt back in the mix. The tri-series will be a great opportunity to test squad depth and adaptability,” said Walter.
Bevon Jacobs and Adam Milne Key to Squad Strategy
Walter singled out 23-year-old Bevon Jacobs as a player to watch. Jacobs has excelled in domestic competitions and gained franchise cricket exposure globally. His inclusion is seen as a step toward building batting strength in the middle order.
“Bevon’s domestic form has been outstanding. With franchise experience under his belt, this series offers him a chance to break through at the international level,” said Walter.
On Milne’s return, Walter emphasized the veteran pacer’s value, particularly with multiple first-choice quicks unavailable:
“Adam is a proven T20 bowler—his pace, bounce, and ability in the powerplay are invaluable. In the absence of Sears, Lockie, and Jamieson, his presence is crucial.”
Full New Zealand Squad for Zimbabwe Tri-Series
-
Mitchell Santner (Captain)
-
Finn Allen
-
Michael Bracewell
-
Mark Chapman
-
Jacob Duffy
-
Zak Foulkes
-
Matt Henry
-
Bevon Jacobs
-
Adam Milne
-
Daryl Mitchell
-
Will O’Rourke
-
Glenn Phillips
-
Rachin Ravindra
-
Tim Seifert
-
Ish Sodhi
Eye on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Walter reiterated that the Zimbabwe tri-series is more than just a short assignment—it plays a crucial role in the team’s broader strategy for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, every match matters. This series helps us test combinations and build team chemistry against quality opposition in varied conditions,” he said.
Also read: How New Zealand are building up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
