Williamson returns as T20I captain after more than a year

Kane Williamson has been named New Zealand’s T20I captain for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, ending more than a year of speculation over who would lead the side in the shortest format.

Williamson, who has been the Test and ODI captain since 2015, last captained New Zealand in a T20I in January 2020. He was replaced by Tim Southee for the T20 World Cup in 2021, and then by Tom Latham for the recent tour of the West Indies.

Latham will continue to captain the Test and ODI teams, but Williamson will now take back the reins of the T20I side.

“I’m really excited to be back leading the T20 side,” Williamson said. “It’s been a while, but I’ve enjoyed watching the team from the sidelines and I’m looking forward to getting back out there with the boys.”

New Zealand’s T20I series against Bangladesh will be played in Christchurch on February 28 and March 1.

The series will be a good opportunity for Williamson to get back into the groove of T20 cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

New Zealand will be looking to improve on their performance at the last T20 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the semi-finals by England.

Williamson will be key to New Zealand’s chances of success at the T20 World Cup. He is one of the best batsmen in the world in all three formats, and he is a proven leader.

With Williamson back at the helm, New Zealand will be confident of challenging for the title at the T20 World Cup.