Champions Trophy New Zealand Preview: Black Caps Are Dark Horses And Yet Favourites

Last Updated:February 17, 2025, 11:55 IST

New Zealand have their task cut out being in the same group as India and Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

New Zealand are one of the title contenders with new white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner leading the Black Caps. Kiwi, who have won the Champions Trophy in the past, will want to justify their tags of favorites on the back of strong recent performances.

Their challenge start against the hosts, Pakistan the tournament opener which will be crucial for their chances of making it to the semi-final stage. Their group also includes Bangladesh and India with their first being considered as a virtual quarterfinal by many.

New Zealand’s recent Tri-Nation Series victory in Pakistan, which also involved South Africa, will surely give them hope of a strong showing. The Black Caps won all their matches in Lahore and Karachi, beating Pakistan in both venues.

Kane Williamson starred with the bat with 225 runs from three games. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell also chipped in with important knocks. William ORourke was the highest wicket-taker in the series with six scalps as Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner both picking up five wickets each.

New Zealand will want to lift a major white-ball trophy for the first time in 25 years, following their victory over India in the final of the ICC Knockout tournament, what the Champions Trophy was previously known as, in 2000.

ALSO READ | ICC Champions Trophy: Most Wins, Runs, Wickets, 100s, Sixes, Highest Score, Best Bowling Figures & More

Injury Setbacks –

New Zealand have been forced to make a change to their Champions Trophy squad after pacer Ben Sears was ruled out due to a hamstring injury with a like-for-like replacement in the form of Jacob Duffy joining the squad.

History In Champions Trophy –

In the inaugural 1998 edition, New Zealand lost to Sri Lanka in the quarter-final but won the second edition in 2002, beating India in the final. Come the two next editions in 2002 and 2004, the Black Caps were knocked out in the group stage. In the 2006 edition, New Zealand lost to eventual winners Australia in the semi-final and then in the next edition in 2009, the Kiwis lost to Australia again, this time in the final. New Zealand failed to clear the group stage in 2013 and 2017.

Top Players to Watch Out For –

Kane Williamson – The 34-year-old veteran batter will be key for New Zealand and especially given his form with the bat in recent matches.

Mitchell Santner – New Zealand skipper will be key as the prime spinner in the team, having experience of bowling in the sub-continent.

Strongest Playing XI –

Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke

Recent ODI Form (Results of their past five matches) –

• New Zealand Beat Pakistan By 5 Wickets
• New Zealand Beat South Africa By 6 Wickets
• New Zealand Beat Pakistan By 78 Runs
• New Zealand Lost to Sri Lanka By 140 Runs
• New Zealand Beat Sri Lanka By 5 140 Runs

Full Squads –

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy

New Zelaand Champions Trophy Schedule –

1. 19 February – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
2. 24 February – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
3. 2 March – India vs New Zealand, Dubai