New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Sunday (January 12) announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI Tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to take place from February 19 to 9. March.
The Black Caps released a video on their social media platform X on Sunday, where Mitchell Santner can be seen unveiling the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will begin their campaign against hosts Pakistan in Karachi in the tournament opener on February 19.
New Zealand has named a 15-man squad for the 2025 ODI Tri-Series and ICC Champions Trophy.
In a brave new chapter for New Zealand cricket, Mitchell Santner will don the captain’s hat for the first time at a global event. Santner, who is known for his calm demeanor and razor-sharp instincts, will now carry the weight of New Zealand’s expectations on his shoulders in the Champions Trophy.
However, the New Zealand all-rounder will be supported by towering pillars of experience in Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. Young fast bowlers Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke have been named in New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, along with all-rounder Nathan Smith.
Ben Sears, who was the traveling reserve for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, recently returned to Super Smash after recovering from injury. With one Test and 17 T20Is under his belt, he is now all set to make his ODI debut in the upcoming tri-series, which includes Pakistan and South Africa.
Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith film New Zealand’s 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.
On the other hand, right-hander Will O’Rourke, who is known for his strong performances in all three formats of the game in domestic cricket, has so far played 19 international matches for the Black Caps. O’Rourke took an impressive 36 wickets in just 10 Tests.
Speaking of Nathan Smith, the all-rounder adds depth to the Kiwi squad with his powerful lower-order batting and lively bowling. Smith has already represented New Zealand in two Tests and five ODIs. He has 80 runs and 7 wickets in Tests, while he has 26 runs and 5 wickets in ODIs.
Meanwhile, Mark Chapman and Will Young have also earned places in the Black Caps squad for the upcoming prestigious tournament and ODI Tri-series in Pakistan. The inclusion of New Zealand spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell has also strengthened their spin department.
Our @ICC The composition of the Champions Trophy 2025, announced by our captain 🇳🇿 #Champions trophy pic.twitter.com/oSwMpTeEiO
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025
The New Zealand batting unit consisted of very familiar names like Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. It would be interesting to see how the relatively inexperienced pace attack will fare in the tournament.
This is the New Zealand squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and Pakistan Tri-Series:
Lineup: Mitchell Santner (C), 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 bride.
Notably, Jacob Duffy has been named as a stand-in as Lockie Ferguson is unavailable for the tri-series due to his commitment to the ILT20 2025. On the other hand, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway will also have to make a quick turnaround as they play in the SA20 2025.
The SA20 2025 final is scheduled to take place on February 9, while the ILT20 2025 is scheduled for February 10. So, the T20 league-bound players are set to miss a few games, as New Zealand face Pakistan on February 8 and South Africa on February 10 in the upcoming Tri-series, followed by a warm-up match against Afghanistan on February 16 before the Champions Trophy.
