New Delhi: In a huge blow for New Zealand, all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand defeated UAE by 10 wickets in their second group-stage clash in the tournament on Tuesday, February 10, to make it two wins in a row.

Bracewell, who was one of the vital cogs in the New Zealand line-up, has been ruled out due to a calf injury. The all-rounder who captained the Kiwis in their recently concluded five-match T20I series against India had sustained a calf tear during the third ODI against the Men in Blue last month.

He reinjured his left calf during New Zealand’s warm-ups before their opener against Afghanistan on Sunday. Scans later revealed the extent of the injury, forcing him out of action for at least three weeks. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter confirmed Bracewell’s exit and wished the all-rounder a smooth recovery.

“We’re all feeling for Michael. It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him,” said New Zealand head coach Walter.

“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback. We wish him a smooth recovery,” he added.

New Zealand have not yet announced a replacement for Bracewell. The Kiwis have Cole McConchie travelling with the squad as a reserve player. However, an official decision has not been taken yet regarding adding McConchie to the official squad as a replacement player.

34-year-old McConchie was picked as a travelling reserve after enjoying a successful domestic season for Canterbury Kings in New Zealand. He picked up 14 wickets for his team to finish as the highest wicket-taker for the. McConchie is an experienced T20 campaigner, having played 145 T20s in his career so far.

“Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience. It’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head, especially for a World Cup,” said New Zealand head coach Walter, hinting at adding him in the original squad as a replacement for Bracewell.

New Zealand have bagged two wins in their first two matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far. They defeated Afghanistan in their opening game in Chennai on Sunday before thrashing UAE by ten wickets in their second group-stage clash at the same venue on Tuesday. New Zealand will now take on South Africa in their next game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 14.