The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and teams are using warm-up matches to fine-tune their preparations. The 14th warm-up match pits two very different teams against each other. New Zealand is a proven force in world cricket with years of experience.
The USA is a rising team that surprised many fans in the 2024 tournament. Warm-up matches give teams a chance to test their players, try new combinations, and build confidence before the real action begins on February 7.
Match Details
| Match Number | Date | Time (Local) | Time (GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14th Match | February 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1:30 PM | Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
Match Preview
This match offers plenty of interest for cricket fans. New Zealand recently played a series in India and will use this game to settle on their best starting eleven. Captain Mitchell Santner has many quality players to choose from, and he needs to decide who will open the batting and bowling. The warm-up match gives him a chance to see everyone in action.
The USA comes into this game with energy and ambition. They want to show they can compete against top teams like New Zealand. In warm-up matches, any player from the 15-man squad can play, so both teams might try different combinations. For the USA, this is a great learning opportunity. Playing against experienced teams helps them prepare for tough challenges ahead.
New Zealand has star players like Devon Conway, Finn Allen, and Rachin Ravindra. Their bowling attack features fast bowlers like Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry. The USA has its own weapons. Corey Anderson brings international experience, while bowlers like Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan can trouble any batting lineup. This match will test both teams in different ways.
Venue
The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai has a reputation for being good to batters. The pitch usually offers a true bounce, which means the ball comes onto the bat nicely.
Teams batting first often post high scores here. The average score at this venue is quite high, so both teams will look to put runs on the board.
Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Nature | The pitch offers good bounce and decent pace. Batters can play shots with confidence, but bowlers often get help in the early overs. |
| Batting Assistance | Openers can start well and build strong partnerships. Because of the dew, teams can comfortably aim for 180 or more. |
| Bowling Assistance | Fast bowlers may get movement with the new ball. As the match goes on, spinners can find some turn. |
| Boundary Size | Square boundaries range from 63 to 67 meters. Straight boundaries are longer at about 86 meters. |
| Ideal First Innings Score | A score above 175 is considered safe while batting first. The lowest total defended on this ground is 156. |
| Toss & Dew Impact | Dew makes batting easier in the second innings. Captains may prefer to bowl first to use early swing before the surface becomes wet. |
One important factor is the evening dew. Since this match starts at 7:00 PM IST, dew will likely settle on the field during the second innings. This makes the ball wet and slippery. Bowlers find it hard to grip the ball properly, and spinners struggle to turn it. The team chasing might have an advantage because of these conditions. Captains will think carefully about their decision at the toss.
Head to Head
These two teams have faced each other only once in competitive cricket. New Zealand won that encounter convincingly. Here is their complete head-to-head record:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 1 |
| New Zealand Won | 1 |
| USA Won | 0 |
While the record favors New Zealand, the USA has grown stronger since its last meeting. This warm-up match gives both teams a fresh opportunity.
Squads
Both teams have announced their squads for this warm-up match. New Zealand brings experienced campaigners, while the USA mixes youth with overseas experience.
New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman
USA Squad
Monank Patel (c) (wk), Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Jasdeep Singh, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Shehan Jayasuriya, Saurabh Netravalkar, Nosthush Kenjige, Shayan Jahangir
Both squads feature a good balance of batting, bowling, and all-round options. The captains will decide their final playing eleven based on pitch conditions.
Live Streaming
Fans worldwide can catch this exciting warm-up match live. Broadcasting details for different regions are given below:
| Region / Country | Television | Online / Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Willow TV | Willow TV app/website |
| India | Star Sports | Jio Hotstar |
| New Zealand | Sky TV NZ | ICC.tv |
| Europe | – | ICC.tv |
Check your local listings and streaming platforms to ensure you do not miss any action from this important warm-up game.
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Conclusion – A Final Chance To Prepare For World Glory
This warm-up match between New Zealand and the USA promises to be an exciting contest. For New Zealand, it is a chance to settle their playing eleven and build momentum. For the USA, it is an opportunity to test themselves against a top team and gain valuable experience. Both teams will play with pride and purpose. Cricket fans should enjoy this match as it gives us a preview of what is to come. Good luck to both teams, and stay tuned for the official start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 7.
