New Zealand have revealed their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Fast bowlers Ben Sears and Will O'Rourke, along with all-rounder Nathan Smith, are among the new picks for the tournament.
Ben Sears, 26, is still waiting to make his ODI debut. However, he has already represented New Zealand in Test and T20 cricket. He is returning to the national team after spending a long time on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury. O'Rourke and Smith may not have a ton of over-50 experience, but they will add valuable firepower to a pace attack anchored by the reliable Matt Henry and the fiery Lockie Ferguson.
Department of Spin Support New Zealand
New Zealand have strengthened their spin attack for Champions Trophy 2025 bringing in all-rounder Michael Bracewell. He will join the likes of Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindraand Mitchell Santner. Santner has also been named as New Zealand's captain for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The squad also features key shots including Kane Williamson, Tom LathamAND Devon Conway. However, Williamson and Conway face a tight schedule as they will take part in the SA20 before heading to Pakistan for a pre-tournament tri-series.
Coach Gary Stead is confident about the balance of the team
New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed confidence in the balance and experience of the squad.
“We are currently blessed with a lot of quality players and that has certainly created some challenging selection discussions,” said Stead. “Ultimately, we have gone with the team that will offer us the best options to perform well in what is expected. conditions in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates”.
Stead also stressed the importance of the three series in Pakistan before the Champions Trophy.
“The format of the tournament is unique in that you have to go on the ground, which means our preparation in the preliminary tri-series is really important. It will be a great opportunity to open the tournament against the hosts Pakistan in Karachi, and we can't wait to get there and jam in,” he added.
New Zealand have been placed in a challenging group alongside hosts Pakistan, India, AND Bangladesh. They will play their tournament opener against Pakistan on February 19 in Karachi.
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy and Pakistan Tri-Series: Mitchell Santner (spinner), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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