Blackcaps all-rounder Daryl Mitchell will be available to face Afghanistan at the Twenty20 World Cup on Wednesday, after passing fit at Melbourne.
Mitchell, 31, was in a race to pass fit for the tournament, after breaking a finger during training for New Zealand's tri-series against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
After more than two weeks on the sidelines, he has been cleared by coach Gary Stead to make his return - if selected to face Afghanistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"Daryl's trained the last two days, and come through both fielding and batting really really well," Stead said.
"We'll just wait and see how he scrubs up tomorrow morning to make a final call, but at this stage, it's looking like he'll be available for selection, so we'll have a full squad of 15 players to be available to select from."
Mitchell wasn't needed in the Blackcaps' opening win - an 89-run demolition of hosts Australia at Sydney - with his place taken by Mark Chapman, but his return will be a no-brainer for selectors, as arguably the find of last year's tournament in the UAE.
Thrust into the opening slot alongside Martin Guptill, Mitchell scored 208 runs at an average of 34.66 on New Zealand's run to the final, including an unbeaten 72 to lead them to a semi-final victory over England.
Only captain Kane Williamson (216) scored more runs at the tournament than Mitchell.
In 2022, Mitchell has become a middle-order rock in all formats, filling the void left by Ross Taylor, after his retirement earlier this year.
New Zealand face Afghanistan in a T20 for only the second time, with their one previous meeting resulting in an eight-wicket win at last year's World Cup.
Join us at 9pm Wednesday for live updates of the Blackcaps v Afghanistan World Cup pool match
