New Zealand has announced a spin-heavy 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Mitchell Santner named as captain. The Black Caps have prioritized spin given that they are scheduled to play three of their first-round matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue known for assisting slow bowlers.
Santner will lead a spin attack that includes Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra (KKR). Head coach Rob Walter emphasized the squad's balance, noting the presence of five all-rounders and quality bowlers capable of adapting to sub-continent conditions. The squad also features several other IPL-affiliated players, including Lockie Ferguson (PBKS), Adam Milne, and traveling reserve Kyle Jamieson, underscoring the value of franchise experience in global tournaments.
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“We've got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different. This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable.”
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Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin played a crucial role in putting the brakes on the UAE innings, as he masterfully controlled and suffocated the middle overs. The New Zealand captain used his experience well, cleverly varying his pace and lengths to keep the batters guessing. Santner finished with tidy figures of 1 for 23 from his four overs, conceding runs at an impressive economy of just 5.8, an effort that ensured the UAE never quite found momentum when it mattered most.
Mitchell Santner was the standout, conceding just 23 runs in his four overs, while Matt Henry chipped in with figures of 1/27.
Mitchell Santner was the standout bowler in the fourth T20I, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 26. The New Zealand skipper removed key batters Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya before dismissing Jasprit Bumrah, keeping the Indian batting lineup firmly under control.

“We've got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different. This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable.”