Matt Henry is all set to play his first T20 World Cup after being named in a strong 15-man squad by New Zealand Cricket. Kane Williamson will once again lead the team.

Henry, who is currently playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, has represented NZ in only 17 T20Is but his bowling stocks improved in the format since his recall last year after a six-year gap.

"Matt has worked exceptionally hard on his skills across the phases of a T20 game to come back into selection consideration," head coach Gary Stead said.

With Adam Milne continuing to be unavailable with an ankle injury, Henry edged ahead of Ben Sears for a place in the squad.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who will be playing their seventh and fifth T20 World Cups respectively, along with Lockie Ferguson will partner Henry in the fast bowling department.

Devon Conway, who is currently recovering from a thumb injury, has also been picked and will likely take the gloves ahead of Finn Allen. Tim Seifert and Tom Blundell haven't made the cut.

Michael Bracewell, who recently led NZ to a 2-2 draw in the T20I series in Pakistan, will be a welcome addition to the World Cup squad after being on the sidelines for most of 2023, including the 50-over World Cup in India.

Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell will be the pace-bowling allrounders while Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman can all roll their arm over in what are expected to be slow conditions in the Caribbean and the United States.

Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi reunite as the spin twins.

Like Henry, Ravindra is also set to play his first T20 World Cup, having impressed in the 50-over edition last year with three centuries.

"Rachin has made every post a winner in the past 12 months and it was exciting to see him continue that trajectory over the summer in the T20 format against Australia," Stead said.

Stead's support staff will feature Luke Ronchi as the batting coach and Jacob Oram as the bowling coach. James Foster will serve as the assistant coach for the group "with a focus on fielding," the NZC said in a release.

New Zealand will leave for the tournament on May 23. They open their account against Afghanistan in Guyana on June 7.