New Zealand A will compete for the first time in the NT Top End T20 Series between August 20 and 30 in Darwin. The unique white-ball tour will set the stage for the New Zealanders to participate in the domestic Australian assignment. The tournament comprises nine teams scheduled to play six regular-round matches before finals. Following the conclusion of the Top End T20 competition, the 50-over squad will play three matches against South Australia, Tasmania and Nepal.
The squad departs on August 16 ahead of their first Top End T20 match on August 22. New Zealand Cricket announced the selection, which features 13 Kiwi players, viz., Kristian Clarke, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay, Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Adithya Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Muhammad Abbas, Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Bevon Jacobs and Rhys Mariu. Meanwhile, Pete Sanford, NZC’s Head of High Performance Development, outlined the strategic value of the tour.
“From a high-performance perspective, we see the Top End as a fantastic opportunity for players who are deeper in the succession plan to experience a high level of T20 cricket,” Sanford said as quoted by Cricinfo.
Why is New Zealand A touring Australia?
“Top End will give our next best cricketers game time against high level opponents in a tournament structure, supporting our pinnacle event planning.” Sanford added.
Several players in the squad featured in New Zealand’s five-match ODI series win in the West Indies last month. Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Jayden Lennox and Ben Lister were part of that successful campaign. Rhys Mariu, who made his international debut in 2025, has already scored an ODI half-century and was selected for the 50-over matches in Australia.
“It’s fantastic to be able to name such a strong squad for this tour and a nod to the depth in our ranks at present.” Sanford said.
New Zealand A squad for Australia
Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Matt Boyle, Max Chu, Katene Clarke (T20 only), Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu (50-overs only), Tim Robinson.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
