The opening match of the five-game T20I series between New Zealand and the West Indies will take place in Auckland as both sides begin their preparation for the Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
New Zealand will be without their regular wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, who suffered a finger injury while batting for Northern Districts in the Ford Trophy. An X-ray confirmed a fracture to his right index finger.
Canterbury’s Mitch Hay has been named as Seifert’s replacement. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and spinner Ish Sodhi have rejoined the squad, while Kane Williamson was not included following his retirement from T20 internationals.
The West Indies will look to maintain their momentum after their recent T20I series victory over Bangladesh.
“The preparation for the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will be in focus as New Zealand take on West Indies in the first T20I of the 5-match series in Auckland.”
New Zealand face the West Indies in the first T20I in Auckland with World Cup 2026 preparations underway and Tim Seifert ruled out due to injury.