KEY POINTS
- Vaughan praised the squad’s strength and balance.
- New Zealand won first ODI series on Indian soil.
- New Zealand will open their campaign against Afghanistan.
ISLAMABAD: Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed New Zealand as his pick to win the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
The global tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Taking to the social media platform ‘X’, Vaughan highlighted the strength and balance of the New Zealand squad. “NZ can win the T20 World Cup. They have such a strong group of players. This could be the one,” Vaughan wrote.
Historic series win in India
Vaughan’s endorsement comes as New Zealand builds significant momentum.
The side recently created history by securing a 2-1 victory in a three-match ODI series against India, marking their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil.
The two teams are now set to engage in a five-match T20 International series starting Wednesday, a crucial preparatory clash ahead of the World Cup.
NZ can win the T20 World Cup .. they have such a strong group of players .. This could be the one ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 19, 2026
Santner to lead experienced, balanced squad
Earlier this month, New Zealand Cricket unveiled a settled 15-player squad for the tournament, to be led by all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who is preparing for his ninth ICC global event.
The squad blends experience with emerging talent.
Pace spearhead Jacob Duffy is set for his maiden senior World Cup, joining an experienced fast-bowling unit featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, and Jimmy Neesham.
The spin department will be led by captain Santner, with Ish Sodhi as the specialist wrist-spinner.
The batting lineup boasts power and versatility with the likes of Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and the in-form Rachin Ravindra. Wicketkeeping duties fall to Tim Seifert.
Notably, the squad has planned for contingencies, with Ferguson and Henry potentially taking short-term paternity leave during the event. Kyle Jamieson will travel as the pace-bowling reserve.
World Cup pathway and fixtures
New Zealand has been placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE. They will begin their campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.
New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
- vs Afghanistan, Chennai – February 8
- vs UAE, Chennai – February 10
- vs South Africa, Ahmedabad – February 14
- vs Canada, Chennai – February 17
New Zealand squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk) and Ish Sodhi.
