NZ v WI 2025: Tim Seifert Ruled Out of T20Is Against WI

Before their five-match Twenty20 International series at home against the West Indies, the New Zealand men's cricket squad suffered a setback as wicketkeeper batsman Tim Seifert was out due to a fractured finger.

The injury & replacement

After getting hit on his right index finger during a domestic game for the Northern Districts men's team in the Ford Trophy 2025–2026, Seifert retired. A finger fracture was verified by an X-ray.

The Black Caps have called up Mitch Hay to take his position. Since making his debut against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in November 2024, Hay has played in 11 Twenty20 Internationals.

Coach Rob Walter highlighted New Zealand's depth in the T20 format while highlighting Hay's qualifications:

"Mitch has shown in his international opportunities so far that he's a top-quality wicketkeeper batter and is more than capable of contributing at this level."

Impact and context

Seifert has been an important member of New Zealand's T20 team, particularly as a keeper and top-order hitter. As a result, his absence will affect both the batting approach at the top and the wicket-keeping position.

In advance of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, Hay sees this as a chance to secure a more regular spot. His talent can be seen by the fact that he now owns the record for the most dismissals (six) in a T20I innings. 

West Indies Tour Of New Zealand Series 2025

 

NZ T20I squad vs WI

Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Mitch Hay (wk), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi

 

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