McConchie had been on the comeback trail after tearing his calf during the third ODI against India last month. Scans showed the injury would sideline him for around three weeks. Initially named as a traveling reserve, McConchie was flown in to join the squad following Bracewell’s withdrawal.
A seasoned domestic campaigner, McConchie has appeared in 145 T20 matches. He joins the squad after a strong season with Canterbury Kings, finishing as the side’s leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps at an economy rate of 7.71, making him a valuable addition to the Black Caps squad.
New Zealand have had a mixed campaign in the tournament so far. In their opening match they defeated Afghanistan by five wickets. Afghanistan posted 182 points while Gulbadin Naib scored 63. From New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson took 2/40. The Black Caps chased the target in 17.5 overs with Tim Seifert scoring 65 runs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2/31 for Afghanistan.
In their second match, New Zealand crushed UAE by 10 wickets. The UAE posted 173/6, thanks to Muhammad Waseem’s 66* and Alishan Sharafu’s 55. Matt Henry took 2/37. The Black Caps openers chased down the target in just 15.2 overs, with Tim Seifert scoring 89* and Finn Allen 84*.
In their most recent match, New Zealand lost to South Africa by seven wickets. New Zealand posted 175, while Mark Chapman top scored on 48. Marco Jansen took 4/40 to derail the innings. South Africa chased down the target in 17.1 overs, led by captain Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 86*.
The Kiwis will conclude their group stage campaign against Canada on February 17 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, looking for a win to secure the momentum heading into the Super Eight stage.
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