Who is Cole McConchie? New Zealand all-rounder who struck two-in-two in T20 World Cup semi-final

New Zealand all-rounder Cole McConchie has steadily built a reputation as a dependable performer in domestic cricket before earning opportunities on the international stage. In 2026, he received a major boost to his career when he was called up as a replacement for Michael Bracewell in New Zealand’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The Kiwis progressed to the semi-finals and are facing South Africa on March 4 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

McConchie represents Canterbury in New Zealand’s domestic circuit and made his international debut in September 2021. His professional journey began much earlier, when he played his first List A match against Otago cricket team in 2011. After playing two matches in his debut season, he was awarded a contract for the 2012-13 season, during which he made his First-Class and T20 debuts.

A significant milestone came in November 2016 when, in just his seventh First-Class match, McConchie scored his maiden century in a rain-affected draw against Otago. His leadership qualities were recognised in 2018 when he was appointed captain of Canterbury. That same year, he secured a contract for the 2018-19 season and emerged as Canterbury’s leading wicket-taker in the Ford Trophy, claiming 13 wickets in nine matches. He continued to earn the trust of selectors, receiving another contract ahead of the 2020-21 domestic season.

In November 2020, McConchie captained the New Zealand A side in practice matches against the touring West Indies team. His consistent performances earned him a place in New Zealand’s T20I squad for the Bangladesh tour in August 2021, as well as the ODI squad for Pakistan. He made his T20I debut on September 1, 2021, against Bangladesh, memorably taking a wicket with his very first delivery. Across five matches in that series, he scored 32 runs and picked up seven wickets.

McConchie made his ODI debut on May 3, 2023, against Pakistan. Overall, in six ODIs, he has scored 126 runs and taken four wickets, while in 15 T20Is, he has accumulated 145 runs and claimed seven wickets, showcasing his value as a reliable all-rounder.