New Zealand vs West Indies T20 series preview Williamson calls it a day in T20s as New Zealand pick squad for Windies series.

New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20s as the kiwis announce the squad for the upcoming T20 series against the West Indies at home. 35-year-old Williamson signs off as New Zealand's second-highest run-scorer in men's T20Is, amassing 2575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 fifties and a highest of 95. 

Since making his debut in 2011, Williamson captained the team in 75 of those games, leading New Zealand to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 and 2022) and a final (2021) where the Kiwis were blown away by a Mitchell Marsh special. 

“It's something that I've loved being a part of for a long period of time and I'm so grateful for the memories and experiences," Williamson said. "It's the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup. His immediate focus, however, is on the three-Test series against West Indies beginning December 2 in Christchurch.

Meanwhile, Ish Sodhi and Kyle Jamieson, who missed the recent series against England have been recalled to the T20 set up as the black caps begin preparation for the upcoming T20 world cup. Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side in the shortest format with all the regulars retaining their place.

For the visitors, Gudakesh Motie has been left out with while Matthew Forde returns to playing competitive cricket after a while as the Windies look to script history by winning their first ever T20 series on New Zealand soil

Forde, one of only two specialist fast bowlers in the squad alongside Jayden Seales, will be supported by seam-bowling allrounders Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, and Shamar Springer. Shamar Joseph remains sidelined after experiencing shoulder discomfort during training in Bangladesh last month.

Led by T20I captain Shai Hope, the batting lineup includes Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Amir Jangoo. The spin department will be headed by Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Khary Pierre.

New Zealand and West Indies lock horns in a 5 match T20 series that begins on November 5th in Auckland. The series will be followed by a 3 match Odi series and a 2 game test series as both teams look to gain crucial points ahead of the WTC final in 2027.

New Zealand T20 squad 

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.

West Indies T20I squad 

Shai Hope (capt), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.

T20 Series Schedule

1st T20I: November 5 – Eden Park, Auckland 

2nd T20I: November 6 – Eden Park, Auckland

3rd T20I: November 8 – Saxton Oval, Nelson

4th T20I: November 9 – Saxton Oval, Nelson 

5th T20I: November 12 – University Oval, Dunedin