New Zealand have made a change to their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Cole McConchie has been officially approved as Michael Bracewell’s replacement.
The 35-year-old all-rounder suffered a recurrence of a left calf injury during warm-ups before New Zealand’s opening match against Afghanistan in Chennai. Bracewell had only recently returned from injury but scans showed he would need around three weeks to recover. Because of this, the team management decided to withdraw him from the tournament.
McConchie was originally named as a travelling reserve. After Bracewell’s withdrawal, he was flown in and added to the Black Caps squad. The experienced domestic player has played 145 T20 matches in his career. He comes into the team after a strong season with Canterbury Kings, where he finished as the side’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.
New Zealand’s campaign so far in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand have had mixed results in the tournament. In their opening game, they beat Afghanistan by five wickets. Afghanistan scored 182, with Gulbadin Naib making 63. Lockie Ferguson took 2/40 for New Zealand. The Black Caps chased the target in 17.5 overs, thanks to Tim Seifert’s 65. Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2/31 for Afghanistan.
In their second match, New Zealand dominated UAE with a 10-wicket victory. UAE made 173/6, powered by Muhammad Waseem’s 66* and Alishan Sharafu’s 55. Matt Henry picked up 2/37. New Zealand chased the total in just 15.2 overs, with Seifert scoring 89* and Finn Allen 84*.
However, they lost their next match to South Africa by seven wickets. New Zealand scored 175, with Mark Chapman top-scoring with 48. Marco Jansen took 4/40. South Africa chased the target in 17.1 overs, led by captain Aiden Markram’s 86*.
The Kiwis will face Canada on February 17 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as they look to build momentum before the Super Eight stage.
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