New Zealand T20 Squad Zimbabwe 2025 list always sparks excitement, and this time is no different. The Black Caps are gearing up for their T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe. However, Kane Williamson is not included in the team.
The veteran batter is skipping the tour. This surprises some. But it lets new talent shine. And that’s not a bad thing.
Mitchell Santner Takes the Lead
With Kane out, Mitchell Santner will be leading the mission. It’s not his first rodeo in the captain’s seat, and he’s confirmed before that he’s more than capable of holding the reins. He’s calm and composed. He has a good cricketing brain. He’s the captain you need on Harare’s unpredictable pitches.
Familiar faces New Zealand T20 Squad Zimbabwe.
The changes don’t stop with Williamson. New Zealand T20 Squad Zimbabwe’s. Pace attack will also look a little different this time around.
Lockie Ferguson is taking a break—part of a bigger strategy to manage his workload. Kyle Jamieson is at home. He is preparing for his first child. Meanwhile, Ben Sears is healing from a side strain.
That’s three regulars out of the mix. It may look like a blow to the team’s firepower. But it opens the door for other players—both returning and new—to shine.
Adam Milne is back—and in form.
Let’s talk about Adam Milne for a second. The fast bowler has faced many injuries over the years. Still, when he returns, he adds fire to the game. Milne is back behind ankle surgery. He is doing well in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the U.S. He has taken nine wickets in four matches with the Texas Super Kings.
If you’ve seen him bowl recently, you’ll understand—he’s still got the pace, and he’s hungry. His inclusion feels less like a gamble and more like a well-earned comeback.
Say Hello to Bevon Jacobs
One of the most talked-about names in the squad is Bevon Jacobs. The young wicketkeeper-batter has joined the senior team. This follows his great performances in domestic cricket. And a fun fact? The Mumbai Indians picked him up at the last IPL auction. Not too shabby for someone yet to make his international debut.
The team had before named Jacobs in a squad around Christmas last year, but he didn’t get the chance to play. This time, it’s different. He has a clear opportunity. If he gets his strong domestic play to the international stage, New Zealand could have a future star.
Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra return
Two names fans will be happy to see back in the mix are Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. They both missed the Pakistan series due to IPL commitments. Now, they’re ready to join the squad and bring their best.
Phillips, with his aggressive stroke play and athleticism on the field, is always an asset. Ravindra is growing in stature. His standout performances in last year’s ODI World Cup helped a lot.
Devon Conway’s absence from this tour is noteworthy. There’s been no official word on why, but it might just be a case of rest or rotation.
Coach Rob Walter’s Blueprint
This tour is another step for Rob Walter as New Zealand’s head coach. He balances giving experience it’s due with trying out new talent.
In a recent statement, Walter said:
“We’ve got a really strong team for this tour. “The T20 World Cup is coming soon. So, our upcoming series is very important for our preparation.”
Walter isn’t just filling out a squad sheet. He’s testing combinations and exploring leadership options. He’s also quietly building a squad that can go far in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Why This Tour Matters
Now, you might be thinking—Zimbabwe? Tri-series? What’s the big deal?
But here’s the thing: this is exactly the kind of tour where teams figure themselves out. Without some of the regulars, there’s room for newer players to fail, learn, and grow. That’s huge.
On tricky pitches in Harare, guys like Santner and Ravindra will have their skills tested. Adam Milne gets a shot to show he’s still got the edge. Bevon Jacobs can turn potential into performance. These aren’t games—they’re auditions for cricket’s biggest stage.
Schedule and What Comes Next
The tri-series kicks off on July 16 in Harare, with Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand battling it out. The format is straightforward: round-robin; every match counts.
After the T20s, the Kiwis will stay for two Test matches in Bulawayo. This makes the tour busy but important.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed that if players are in the MLC finals, backups can be added. The finals end just two days before the tri-series. So, don’t be surprised if the squad list receives last-minute updates.
A Few Things to Watch
If you’re planning to tune in—or even thinking of placing a wager or two—here are a few storylines to keep an eye on:
- Milne’s form – Can he deliver consistently after his return from injury?
- Jacobs’ debut – Will he live up to the hype?
- Santner’s captaincy – Can he guide a relatively young squad under pressure?
- Ravindra’s role – Batting, bowling, fielding—he might be doing it all.
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Final Thoughts
So, no, Kane. No, Ferguson. No Jamieson. But that doesn’t mean this squad is lacking. Something is exciting about it—a mix of youth, experience, and opportunity.
NewZealand T20 Squad is in a promising transition. With veterans like Milne and newcomers like Jacobs, the change is clear. It’s bold and forward-thinking.
This energy is what you need when building toward a World Cup.
Also, don’t miss the exciting second Test between England and India! For predictions, playing XI updates, and expert insights, check out CricketBettingTips.org. It’s your go-to source for all things cricket.