The Black caps will compete in the preliminary round alongside India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The teams for the tournament comprises of six players with one substitute.
Essex have signed Tim Southee, the New Zealand swing bowler, for the Friends Life t20 competition where he will link up with team-mate Scott Styris at Chelmsford.
New Zealand won the 1st T20I at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill in Florida against Sri Lanka despite posting a low total of 120 for 7.