New Zealand Announce Squad for England T20I Series 2025 | Full Squad & Schedule | Key Updates & Predictions | usman on cricket
The cricket world is set for another exciting contest as New Zealand and England face off in a three-match T20I series, starting Saturday, 18 October 2025, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. With both teams experimenting ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, this series promises thrilling encounters filled with power-hitting, young talent, and tactical gameplay.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a 14-member squad, led by Mitchell Santner, who returns to captain the side. The series will not only test New Zealand’s bench strength but also give England’s younger stars a chance to prove themselves on Kiwi soil.
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New Zealand Squad for England T20I Series 2025
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (C) | Captain, Left-arm Spinner |
| Michael Bracewell | Batter / Part-time Spinner |
| Mark Chapman | Middle-order Batter |
| Devon Conway | Opening Batter |
| Daryl Mitchell | Batting All-rounder |
| Jimmy Neesham | Seam Bowling All-rounder |
| Rachin Ravindra | Left-hand Opener |
| Tim Robinson | Middle-order Batter |
| Tim Seifert (WK) | Wicket-keeper / Opener |
| Jacob Duffy | Fast Bowler |
| Zak Foulkes | Pace Bowler |
| Matt Henry | Pace Attack Leader |
| Kyle Jamieson | Fast Bowler |
| Bevon Jacobs | Emerging Bowler |
Squad Notes:
- Spin attack will revolve around Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, with Ish Sodhi rested.
- Several senior players are missing due to injuries (see below).
- Opportunity for youngsters like Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson to showcase potential.
England Squad Overview
England have also confirmed their squad, led by Harry Brook, featuring a mix of experienced and young cricketers.
Key names include Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Rehan Ahmed, Sam Curran, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid, and Zak Crawley.
Senior pros like Jofra Archer, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith have been rested for workload management.
Injured or Unavailable New Zealand Players
New Zealand will miss several big names due to fitness concerns and rest:
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Kane Williamson | Minor medical issue, to return for ODIs |
| Ben Sears | Hamstring injury |
| Finn Allen | Foot injury |
| Adam Milne | Unavailable |
| Will O’Rourke | Back injury |
| Glenn Phillips | Recovery phase |
| Lockie Ferguson | Hamstring injury |
Impact:
These absences open doors for younger players but may reduce New Zealand’s pace attack depth. Still, home conditions could balance things out.
Series Schedule: England Tour of New Zealand 2025 (T20Is)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 18 October 2025 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 2nd T20I | 20 October 2025 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 3rd T20I | 23 October 2025 | Eden Park, Auckland |
After the T20Is, both teams will also play a 3-match ODI series at different venues across New Zealand.
Head-to-Head Record: England vs New Zealand in T20Is
| Teams | Matches | ENG Won | NZ Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG vs NZ | 27 | 16 | 10 | 1 |
Insight:
England have a better T20I record historically, but New Zealand have often performed better at home, especially on slower, turning wickets.
Key Talking Points and Updates
- Mitchell Santner resumes T20I captaincy, bringing stability and spin balance.
- Rachin Ravindra returns after an impressive international season.
- New Zealand’s pace unit looks fresh with Henry, Jamieson, and Jacobs.
- England’s experimental squad will rely on power hitters like Brook and Salt.
- Home advantage could be decisive for the Black Caps, particularly at Christchurch.
Series Predictions and Analysis
This series looks evenly matched on paper, but several factors could determine the outcome:
| Aspect | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Conditions (Pitches & Weather) | New Zealand |
| Batting Depth | England |
| Bowling Variety | New Zealand |
| Experience Level | England |
| Home Support | New Zealand |
Prediction:
New Zealand to win the series 2–1, given their familiarity with home conditions and the balanced combination of youth and experience.
However, England’s explosive top order—if it clicks—could easily swing momentum in their favor.
Expert Opinions
According to Cricket analysts, the absence of New Zealand’s senior players gives England a chance to test their World Cup bench strength.
Meanwhile, the Christchurch surface could favor slower bowlers like Santner and Bracewell, making spin a crucial factor in the series.
What to Watch For
- Can Santner’s leadership inspire a young Kiwi squad?
- Will Harry Brook prove himself as England’s future T20 leader?
- Which emerging bowler — Bevon Jacobs or Rehan Ahmed — will make a bigger impact?
- How will Rachin Ravindra perform at home after a strong 2025 season?
FAQs – New Zealand vs England T20I Series 2025
When does the New Zealand vs England T20I series start?
The series begins on 18 October 2025 in Christchurch.
Who is captaining New Zealand in the T20I series?
Mitchell Santner leads the side in the absence of Kane Williamson.
Which England players have been rested for the series?
Jofra Archer, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith are rested.
Where will the 3rd T20I take place?
The final match will be played at Eden Park, Auckland, on 23 October 2025.
What are the key injuries for New Zealand?
Williamson, Finn Allen, Milne, Ferguson, and Phillips are all unavailable due to fitness issues.
Who are the new faces to watch in the NZ squad?
Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson are the most exciting young inclusions.
What’s the head-to-head record between ENG and NZ in T20Is?
England lead 16–10 with one no result from 27 matches.
Conclusion | A High-Stakes T20I series
With both teams entering a transition phase, the New Zealand vs England T20I series 2025 is perfectly timed to test depth, strategy, and adaptability. Fans can expect explosive cricket, tight finishes, and a glimpse into what the future of international T20 cricket holds.
Who’s your pick for the series — New Zealand or England? Comment below and share your predictions!
