The Kiwis finished as runners-up at the previous edition of the T20 World Cup and would be hoping to better their performance when they travel to Australia. New Zealand have not played a lot of T20I cricket against Test-playing nations since that tournament. However, they come into the T20 World Cup having defeated the West Indies away from home.

Kane Williamson, who has been battling injuries over the past year, returns to captain the side. Martin Guptill is also a part of the setup and would be looking to set the tone for the Kiwis at the top of the order. Devon Conway, Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips have strengthened their reputations in recent times and would be hoping to leave a mark.

The Black Caps have a well-balanced squad, largely due to the presence of all-rounders James Neesham, Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell. Their bowling also wears a strong look, with Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult spearheading the fast-bowling department. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, meanwhile, will take care of their spin-bowling reserves.

New Zealand’s opening Super 12 fixture sees them take on Australia in a repeat of the 202 T20 World Cup final. After this game at Sydney, they will travel to Melbourne to lock horns with Afghanistan. Apart from Afghanistan and Australia, England are also a part of the Kiwis’ Super 12 group.

Daryl Mitchell, who fractured his hand during the T20I tri-series earlier this month, will miss at least a few games for the team.

New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup 2022

Batters

Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Finn Allen

Wicket-keepers

Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway

All-rounders

Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner

Bowlers

Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult