Wellington, Jan 7 (NationPress) Jacob Duffy, the pace-bowling leader, is gearing up for his debut in a senior World Cup as he joins New Zealand's 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup taking place in India and Sri Lanka, commencing on February 7.

The 31-year-old Duffy is the sole newcomer in a seasoned lineup that collectively holds 1064 T20I caps. His remarkable performance for New Zealand has seen him secure 81 international wickets at an average of 17 from 36 matches in 2025, surpassing the long-standing record of Sir Richard Hadlee who had 79 wickets.

The team will be led by Mitch Santner, who is preparing for his ninth appearance in an ICC global event.

The squad retains a familiar vibe, featuring pace bowlers Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne, alongside pace-bowling all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.

In addition to the captain, the spin department includes four options, with New Zealand's second-highest T20I wicket-taker Ish Sodhi being the only specialist spinner, joined by all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

For Santner and Sodhi, participating in a T20 World Cup in India is a full-circle moment, as they made their mark during the 2016 tournament held in the same country.

Specialist batters include Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Seifert.

Tim Seifert will don the wicketkeeping gloves and will join the squad post his stint in Australia's Big Bash League. Additionally, Kyle Jamieson will accompany the team as the pace-bowling reserve.

The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) mentioned that with Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry's partners expecting babies during the tournament, they might be given short-term paternity leave.

Head coach Rob Walter emphasized that the squad has been meticulously balanced.

“The balance of the squad is crucial, as always. We have an abundance of power and skill in our batting lineup, quality bowlers adaptable to various conditions, and five all-rounders, each contributing unique strengths.

“This is a well-experienced group, familiar with subcontinental play, which will prove valuable,” he stated.

New Zealand's ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad:

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi. Travelling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson

New Zealand is placed in Group D for the tournament, alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE, with their first match set for February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan.