New Zealand Adds Ben Sears as Reserve for T20 World Cup 2026
Paceman to join the squad in Mumbai ahead of India and Sri Lanka matches
Wellington: Fast bowler Ben Sears has been named as a reserve player for New Zealand’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Friday. Sears is set to join the team in Mumbai on Sunday.
Sears replaces Kyle Jamieson, who was added to the squad last week after Adam Milne suffered a hamstring injury while playing in the SA20 league. Scans revealed the severity of Milne’s injury, ruling him out for the tournament.
Sears has been in good form for Wellington in New Zealand’s domestic Super Smash competition. Head Coach Rob Walter said that Sears had made a strong comeback from a hamstring injury that had kept him out at the start of the home summer.
“Ben has worked hard to get back on the field, and it’s been great to see him playing and performing well again. He played the full Super Smash campaign with the Firebirds, taking 15 wickets in nine matches—making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the round-robin stage,” Walter said.
“Having Ben with us in India and ready to step in if anyone gets injured during the World Cup is fantastic.”
New Zealand’s Group D opponents include Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and UAE. The Kiwis will open their campaign against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai.
New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Mitchell Santner (Captain), 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.
