New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Sunday (January 12) announced the 15-member 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 from February 19 to March 9.
The Black Caps on Sunday posted a video on their social media account . first game on February 19.
New Zealand names 15-member squad for ODI Tri-Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025
In a bold new chapter for New Zealand cricket, Mitchell Santner will don the captain’s hat for the first time at a global event. Santner, known for his calm demeanor and sharp instincts, will now carry the weight of New Zealand’s expectations in the Champions Trophy on his shoulders.
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However, the New Zealand all-rounder will be supported by experienced pillars Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. Young fast bowlers Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke have been named in the New Zealand squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, along with all-rounder Nathan Smith.
Ben Sears, who was a roving reserve for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, recently returned to Super Smash after recovering from an injury. With one Test and 17 T20Is under his belt, he is now set to make his ODI debut in the upcoming tri-series, with Pakistan and South Africa.
Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith make the cut for New Zealand’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign
On the other hand, right-hand seamer Will O’Rourke, 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 has impressively taken 36 wickets in just 10 Tests.
Talking about Nathan Smith, the all-rounder adds depth to the Kiwi team 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 26 runs and 5 wickets in ODIs to his name.
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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 also strengthened their spin department.
Our @ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, announced by our captain 🇳🇿 #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/oSwMpTeEiO
– BLACK CAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025
The New Zealand batting unit consisted of very familiar names such as Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. It will be interesting to see how the relatively inexperienced pace attack fares in the tournament.
Here is the New Zealand squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Pakistan Tri-Series:
Team: 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 Young.
Notably, Jacob Duffy has been named as a substitute as Lockie Ferguson is unavailable for the tri-series due to his ILT20 2025 commitment. 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 will be held on February 9, while ILT20 2025 is scheduled for February 10. Therefore, T20 league players will miss some games as New Zealand faces 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.