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Tim Seifert ruled out; New Zealand announce replacement for T20I series vs West Indies

Debashis Sarangi

Tim Seifert has been sidelined from NZ vs WI T20I series [Source: AFP]Tim Seifert has been sidelined from NZ vs WI T20I series [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Tim Seifert is all set to miss New Zealand's upcoming T20I series against West Indies due to a finger injury. The swashbuckling batter has been ruled out of the series, with Mitchell Hay replacing him in New Zealand's squad. 

Seifert out of NZ vs WI T20Is with broken finger

Tim Seifert sustained a nasty blow to his right index finger while batting during Northern Districts' most recent Ford Trophy encounter against the Wellington Firebirds. He was taken for an X-ray scan, which revealed a fracture to his finger. Seifert's unfortunate injury not only forced him to retire hurt from the Ford Trophy clash but also sidelined him from New Zealand's upcoming T20I series against West Indies on home soil. 

The dynamic right-handed batter, who represented the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, was in scintillating touch in New Zealand's recently held T20I series against England, scoring 62 runs across two innings at a blistering strike rate of 155. The BlackCaps will miss his fearless batting approach and ability to provide the team with flying starts in the powerplay. 

“We’re all feeling for Tim. He’s a key member of this T20 unit given his power at the top of the order and his role as keeper, so he’ll be missed over the next five matches. He showed in the recent T20 series’ that he’s building up to top form, so it’s disappointing that that has been halted as we continue to prepare for a pinnacle event. We’re hoping Tim’s recovery will be quick and he’ll be back on the park as soon as possible," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said as quoted by NZC. 

Mitchell Hay replaces Seifert in NZ squad for WI T20Is

With Tim Seifert getting ruled out, New Zealand have drafted wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay into their squad for the West Indies T20Is. In eleven T20Is, Hay has scored 87 runs at a modest average of 12.4 and a strike rate of 127.9. However, he was impressive in the ODI series against Pakistan, even scoring a glorious 99, and could play a crucial role with the bat for the home side.