New Zealand have made a bold move ahead of their final T20I challenge ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka after Kane Williamson retired from the shorter formats of the game. They have recalled Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi for the five-match T20 series against West Indies.
This important T20I series begins on Wednesday (November 5) at Eden Park in Auckland. The upcoming home series is New Zealand’s last T20I audition before New Zealand head coach Rob Walter selects his preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
New Zealand announces bold squad for West Indies T20I, with Nathan Smith set to make debut
The 14-man squad includes an uncapped all-rounder, Nathan Smith, who is finally set to make his long-awaited T20I debut after traveling with the team against Sri Lanka last year.
Kyle Jamieson is back after recovering from the side strain that ruled him out of the ODI series against England, while Ish Sodhi returns to the T20I setup after missing the Australia series.
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Rob Walter said, “Kyle has been bowling this week and is on track well for this series. Nathan has made an impressive start to his international career in the Test and ODI formats, and we will be supporting him if he gets a T20 opportunity in this series.”
“Ish is our most capped T20I player, and it’s always great to be able to add his skill, energy and experience to the group.”
However, the team is also missing some big names. Matt Henry has been rested for a planned conditioning phase to prepare for the upcoming ODI and Test matches.
Matt Henry gets a short break before busy schedule
“Matt has played every game for the Blackcaps since the Zimbabwe tour in July – so it’s the right time for him to take a short break, and the fact he’ll also get some time to rehab his calf is another good thing,” the New Zealand coach said.
On the other hand, five key players – Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring) – have all been ruled out due to injuries.
Speaking on Williamson’s T20I retirement, Walter said, “His contribution to the team in this format has been huge both in terms of his runs and leadership. Captaining the T20 team in 75 of his 93 games is indicative of his impact and service to the team.”
Notably, West Indies are set to reach New Zealand on Sunday (November 2) for a five-match T20I, three ODI and three-match Test series.
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New Zealand team for T20 series against West Indies:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Jack Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Robinson.
Our players will take on West Indies in the five-match KFC T20 series starting this Wednesday.
Return of Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi. Nathan Smith likely to make T20I debut
Read more at https://t.co/3YsfR1Y3Sm#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/1P581rjIdX
– Blackcaps (@BLACKCAPS) 2 November 2025
New Zealand vs West Indies Schedule:
5 November: 1st T20I at Eden Park, Auckland
6 November: 2nd T20I at Eden Park, Auckland
9 November: 3rd T20I at Saxton Oval Cricket Ground, Nelson
10 November: 4th T20I at Saxton Oval Cricket Ground, Nelson
13 November: 5th T20 match at University of Otago Oval Cricket Ground, Dunedin
16 November: 1st ODI at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
19 November: 2nd ODI at McLean Park, Napier
22 November: 3rd ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton
2 December: First Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
10 December: Second Test at Selo Basin Reserve, Wellington
18 December: Third Test at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
