New Zealand have revealed their 15-player squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Fast bowlers Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke, along with all-rounder Nathan Smith, are among the fresh 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’s 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 50-over experience, but they’ll add some valuable firepower to a pace attack anchored by the reliable Matt Henry and the fiery Lockie Ferguson.
New Zealand Bolster Spin Department
New Zealand have bolstered their spin attack for the Champions Trophy 2025 by bringing in all-rounder Michael Bracewell. He’ll join the likes of Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner. Santner has also been appointed as the captain New Zealand for Champions Trophy 2025.
The squad also features key batters including Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and Devon Conway. However, Williamson and Conway face a tight schedule as they’ll participate in the SA20 before heading to Pakistan for a pre-tournament tri-series.
Head Coach Gary Stead Confident About Squad Balance
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and experience.
“We’re currently blessed with a lot of quality players, and that certainly made for some challenging selection discussions,” Stead said. “Ultimately, we’ve gone with the squad that will offer us the best options to perform well in the expected conditions in Pakistan and the UAE.”
Stead also emphasized the importance of the tri-series in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy.
“The tournament format is a unique one in that you have to hit the ground running, which means our preparation in the pre-leading tri-series is really important. It’s going to be a great occasion opening the tournament against the hosts in Pakistan in Karachi, and we can’t wait to get over there and get stuck in,” he added.
New Zealand are placed in a challenging group alongside hosts Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. They’ll play the tournament opener against Pakistan on February 19 in Karachi.
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy and Pakistan Tri-Series: Mitchell Santner (capt), 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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