An improved New Zealand are ready for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. They will look to deliver a better performance this time around.
So, here’s New Zealand’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, along with key details.
But before that…
How did New Zealand perform in 2024?
The Kiwis had a disappointing outing in the last edition. They suffered a shocking defeat against Afghanistan, the first for New Zealand against them.
Then they lost to the West Indies, ending their Super Eight hopes. New Zealand, however, wrapped up the edition with wins against Uganda and Papua New Guinea.
So, how did they qualify for the 2026 edition?
Even though New Zealand didn’t make it to the Super Eights in 2024, they didn’t need to sweat a lot for qualification in 2026.
They entered the 2026 edition based on their superior rank on the ICC team rankings. They were the top-ranked team (sixth) outside the Super Eight teams at the cutoff date of June 30, 2024.
When does New Zealand play their first match?
New Zealand’s campaign will get underway on February 8, 2026. They will face Afghanistan straight up in Chennai at 11:00 AM.
Where will New Zealand play their matches?
The Kiwis will be based in Chennai for three group-stage matches. They will travel to Ahmedabad for one game, though.
Here are the venues for New Zealand’s matches:
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Know All About T20WC 2026 Here
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule & Other Details
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
Explained: 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Qualification Pathway
What’s New Zealand’s full T20 World Cup 2026 schedule?
After their first game, New Zealand will take on the UAE on February 10. Then the Kiwis will fly to Ahmedabad to lock horns against South Africa on February 14.
The Blackcaps will be back in Chennai for their last group-stage match. They will play against Canada on February 17.
New Zealand’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule (Group Stage):
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2026 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Chennai | 11:00 AM |
| February 10, 2026 | New Zealand vs UAE | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| February 14, 2026 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| February 17, 2026 | New Zealand vs Canada | Chennai | 11:00 AM |
Team-wise T20 WC 2026 Schedule
Team India Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Australia Schedule: Venues, Squad
Team England Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team South Africa Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team New Zealand Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Pakistan Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team West Indies Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Afghanistan Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team USA Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Canada Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Nepal Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Namibia Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Netherlands Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Scotland Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Ireland Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Italy Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Oman Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
What are New Zealand’s key fixtures?
New Zealand will face a spin test against Afghanistan in Chennai. And given they lost to the Afghans in 2024, they will seek revenge.
Their game against South Africa could be a tight one as well. Both teams have had some close battles in previous ICC events.
What could be New Zealand’s Super Eight fixtures if they qualify?
New Zealand are certainly one of the favourites. And if they qualify for the Super Eights, here are the teams they could face based on pre-assigned seedings.
If New Zealand finish in the top two in Group D, then they will be seeded Y2:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 21, 2026 | Y2 (New Zealand) vs Y3 (Pakistan) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
| February 25, 2026 | Y2 (New Zealand) vs Y4 (Sri Lanka) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
| February 27, 2026 | Y1 (England) vs Y2 (New Zealand) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
How does New Zealand’s squad stack up?
Mitchell Santner will lead the Kiwis in his second ICC event within a year. In the Champions Trophy last year, he took the Kiwis into the final. Now, in this tournament, he will look to lift the trophy.
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Devon Conway will do the heavy-lifting in the top order. They have many reliable all-rounders in Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra.
Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson spearhead the pace attack, along with Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy. Ish Sodhi will bring his experience to the spin department, alongside Santner, Bracewell, and Phillips.
New Zealand’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026:
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
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