New Zealand ODI Squad: Duffy Back, Sears Out, Fisher In

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-02

The New Zealand cricket team is gearing up for a big challenge. They've announced a 16-man squad for their five-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting July 11 in Guyana. This isn't just another tour — it's a key step toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Mitchell Santner will lead the side. He's an experienced all-rounder who knows how to handle pressure. But the big news? Jacob Duffy is back, Ben Sears is out injured, and Matthew Fisher gets his first-ever ODI call-up. Let's break it all down. ### Jacob Duffy Returns to the Black Caps Jacob Duffy is back, and that's a huge boost for New Zealand's pace attack. He missed the recent Test series win over England for a personal reason — the birth of his first child. Now he's ready to fire again. Duffy last played for the Black Caps during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. But his absence from the Test series wasn't a setback. In fact, he's been on fire. He's the reigning winner of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, which is New Zealand's top cricket honor. Head coach Rob Walter called him a "stand-out performer across all formats" over the last two years. His return adds serious experience to a bowling group that's missing some veterans. Expect him to lead the pace attack in Guyana and Barbados. ### Matthew Fisher Earns Maiden ODI Call-Up Here's a name to watch: Matthew Fisher. The 26-year-old speedster has been picked for his first-ever ODI squad. He's played one Test and one T20I for New Zealand, but this is his big chance in the 50-over format. Coach Walter is excited about Fisher's potential. He praised his "consistent performances in domestic cricket" and his ability to bowl at a good pace. But what really stands out is Fisher's adaptability. He's been working on different variations for different phases of an innings. That kind of flexibility is gold in ODI cricket. Fisher's inclusion gives New Zealand another attacking option. He's hungry to prove himself, and this series is the perfect stage. ### Ben Sears' Injury Blow Not all the news is positive. Ben Sears has been forced to pull out of the tour due to an ankle injury. He first felt pain during a four-day Test against Ireland in May. But things got worse on the final day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge. Medical staff made the call to send him back to New Zealand for treatment. It's a precautionary move to prevent further damage. For Sears, it's a disappointment. He was originally named in the squad after some strong performances against England. Now he'll have to wait for his next chance. ### Ben Lister Steps In as Replacement Replacing Sears is Ben Lister, the Auckland Aces left-arm pacer. He's no rookie — Lister has already played 17 international matches for New Zealand. He made his ODI debut back in 2023 against Pakistan in Karachi. Across all formats, he's taken 17 wickets for the Black Caps. Lister last played for the national team during the ODI series against Bangladesh in April. His left-arm pace brings a different angle to the attack, which could be tricky for West Indies batters on the slow pitches in Guyana and Barbados. ### What This Means for New Zealand This series is more than just a warm-up. It's a chance for New Zealand to build momentum ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Here's a quick look at the squad dynamics: - **Mitchell Santner** (captain) — leads with experience and all-round skills. - **Jacob Duffy** — returns to anchor the pace attack. - **Matthew Fisher** — gets his first ODI chance, adding youthful energy. - **Ben Lister** — replaces Sears with left-arm variety. New Zealand's bowling attack looks balanced. Duffy brings experience, Fisher adds raw pace, and Lister offers a different angle. With Santner captaining, the team has a solid leader who can also contribute with bat and ball. The first match is on July 11 in Guyana. The weather there is hot and humid, so fitness will be key. Expect the pitches to be slow, which means bowlers will need to be patient and smart. ### Final Thoughts New Zealand's squad has a good mix of youth and experience. Duffy's return is a huge positive, and Fisher's call-up adds excitement. Sears' injury is a setback, but Lister is a reliable replacement. This series is a big step toward the 2027 World Cup. If New Zealand can find the right combinations here, they'll be in a strong position for the future. Keep an eye on Fisher — he might just be the breakout star of the tour.