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New Zealand ODI Squad vs West Indies: Matt Fisher Earns Maiden Call-Up; Jacob Duffy Returns
The Black Caps have announced a balanced 16-member squad for their upcoming five-match One Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies. Scheduled to run from July 11 to July 21, the series will see New Zealand travel across Guyana and Barbados for a vital white-ball assignment.
The headline from the squad announcement is the inclusion of 26-year-old pacer Matt Fisher, who earns his first-ever ODI selection following a string of highly impressive domestic performances.
Matt Fisher’s Big Break in 50-Over Cricket
The biggest talking point of the selection is Northern Districts’ pacer Matt Fisher. While the 26-year-old has already represented New Zealand in Test and T20I cricket, his consistent execution in the 50-over format has finally earned him a spot in the ODI setup.
Fisher has been a lethal weapon in domestic List A matches, capturing 43 wickets across 25 games at an average of 26. Known for his raw pace and uncanny ability to strike at crucial junctures, Fisher will be eager to leave an instant mark on Caribbean soil.
Jacob Duffy Re-enters the Pace Equation
Experienced fast bowler Jacob Duffy makes a welcome return to international cricket. Duffy missed New Zealand’s recent Test tour of England, taking a planned personal break following the birth of his first child.
Duffy’s last competitive outing for the Black Caps came on the grand stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final. His return injects much-needed experience into a refreshed pace battery featuring Kristian Clarke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and the debutant Fisher.
“It’s a nice opportunity to introduce Matt to the ODI group for the first time. He bowls with good pace and has been working hard on his variations. Jacob has been a stand-out for us in all formats for the past couple of years; his skills and experience will be a great addition.”
— Rob Walter, New Zealand Head Coach
Mitchell Santner to Captain a Spin-Heavy Attack
All-rounder Mitchell Santner will continue to marshal the side as captain. Given the slower, turn-friendly nature of pitches in the Caribbean, New Zealand has opted for a versatile spin department.
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Primary Spin Core: Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Jayden Lennox.
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All-Round/Utility Options: Dean Foxcroft and Mark Chapman.
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The Returnees: Both Bracewell and Chapman return to fortify the middle order after missing New Zealand’s recent international assignments.
Key Absences: Senior Players Unavailable
New Zealand will embark on the tour without several frontline superstars due to rotation, injuries, and personal commitments:
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Rested Seamers: Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, and Will O’Rourke are being rested after an incredibly heavy workload during the first half of the year.
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Medical Leave: Blair Tickner remains unavailable as he prepares to undergo ankle surgery.
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Paternity Leave: Star opening batter Devon Conway has been granted leave following the birth of his second child.
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T20 Commitments: Rachin Ravindra will miss the tour due to a pre-arranged agreement to participate in Major League Cricket (MLC).
West Indies vs New Zealand 2026: ODI Match Schedule
The five-match white-ball series will be split clean across two iconic venues, starting with three consecutive matches in Guyana before shifting over to Barbados.
| Match | Date | Venue |
| 1st ODI | July 11 | Guyana |
| 2nd ODI | July 13 | Guyana |
| 3rd ODI | July 16 | Guyana |
| 4th ODI | July 19 | Barbados |
| 5th ODI | July 21 | Barbados |
Full New Zealand ODI Squad
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Captain: Mitchell Santner
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Batters / All-Rounders: Mark Chapman, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young
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Wicketkeepers: Tom Latham (WK), Mitch Hay (WK)
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Spin Bowlers: Michael Bracewell, Jayden Lennox
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Fast Bowlers: Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith
What to Watch
This West Indies tour presents an ideal testing ground for New Zealand’s next generation of cricketers while allowing the team to maintain its elite competitive edge. While all eyes will remain glued to Matt Fisher’s debut spells, the tactical captaincy of Mitchell Santner and the anchoring presence of Tom Latham will be crucial to replicates New Zealand’s historic 2022 series win in the Caribbean.
