Milne, Henry Recall: New Zealand Announces Squad for T20I Tri-Series Against South Africa, Zimbabwe

Bevon Jacobs, an uncapped batter who previously featured in the T20 series against Sri Lanka in December, has been named in the 15-member New Zealand squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Matt Henry poised for a comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury. © Getty

Adam Milne, a fast bowler, is set to rejoin the team for the first time since November. Matt Henry also makes a return after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Several players are unavailable for selection. Ben Sears is sidelined due to injury, while Lockie Ferguson is being rested to manage his workload. Kyle Jamieson is unavailable due to the impending birth of his first child. Additionally, Devon Conway and Mitch Hay are absent, paving the way for Tim Seifert to take over wicket-keeping duties. Kane Williamson has also opted out of selection.

The tour marks the first assignment for the new head coach, Rob Walter. "I think we've got a really strong squad for this tour, and I'm looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work," Walter stated.

He further added, "We've got some good experience in the side, and it's nice to be able to welcome back a few of the players who missed the March series against Pakistan because of the IPL."

Walter anticipates a competitive tri-series, acknowledging the strength of South Africa and the home advantage of Zimbabwe.

The coach emphasized the opportunity this tour presents for Bevon Jacobs and highlighted the importance of Adam Milne's experience, particularly with other pacers unavailable.

"Bevon's been an outstanding performer in domestic cricket and has gained some experience in franchise leagues around the world, so it'll be a good chance for him to get back into the squad and potentially play," Walter explained.

Regarding Milne, Walter said, "Adam's a really skilled T20 bowler; he's particularly proficient with the ball up front and brings that extra pace and bounce. With the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson out, it's great to be able to lean on an experienced head in Adam."

Walter also underscored the significance of the tri-series in preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

"With the T20 World Cup around the corner, all of our upcoming series are critically important to our build-up. This series gives us the opportunity to test the breadth of our squad, explore different players, and potentially different combinations against some quality opposition," he concluded.

New Zealand Squad for T20I Tri-Series:

Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchel, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi