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 selections 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 returns to the national team after spending some time on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury. O’Rourke and Smith may not have much experience at 50, but they will add 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 beefed up their spin attack for the Champions Trophy 2025 bringing in all-rounder Michael Bracewell. He will join the likes of Glenn Phillips, Raheen Ravindraand Mitchell Sandner. Sandner has also been named as New Zealand’s captain for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The team also features key batters including Kane Williamson, Tom Lathamand Devon Conway. However, Williamson and Conway face a tight schedule as they take part in the SA20 before heading to Pakistan for a tri-series before the tournament.
Coach Gary Stead is confident of the balance of the squad
New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed his confidence in the balance and experience of the squad.
“We’ve been blessed with a lot of quality players, and that certainly made for some challenging selection discussions,” Stead said. “Ultimately, we have gone with the team that will give us the best options to perform well in the expected conditions in Pakistan and the UAE.”
Stead also emphasized the importance of the three series in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy.
“The format of the tournament is unique in that you have to hit the ground running, which means our preparation for the previous three series is very important. It will be a great opportunity to open the tournament against the home team Pakistan in Karachi, and we can’t wait to get there and get stuck in,” he added.
New Zealand are placed in a challenging group alongside hosts Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. They will play the first tournament against Pakistan on February 19 in Karachi.
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy and Pakistan Tri-Series: Mitchell Sandner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Ratchin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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