New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has, 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 February 19 to March 9.
The Black Caps on Sunday posted a video on its social media handle X, where Mitchell Santner can be seen unveiling the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will begin their campaign against the hosts Pakistan in Karachi in the tournament opener 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 is set to don the captain’s hat for the first time in 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 have the backing of the 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 ICC Champions Trophy 2025, along with allrounder Nathan Smith.
Ben Sears, who was a traveling reserve for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, recently made his comeback in the Super Smash after recovering from injury. With one Test and 17 T20Is under his belt, he is now set to make his ODI debut in the upcoming tri-series, featuring 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, the right-arm seamer 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 games for the Black Caps. O’Rourke has impressively taken 36 wickets in just 10 Tests.
Speaking about Nathan Smith, the all-rounder adds depth to the Kiwi squad with his powerful lower-order batting and lively seam 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 spots in the Black Caps’ squad for the upcoming prestigious tournament and ODI Tri-series in Pakistan. New Zealand’s spin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell’s inclusion also strengthened their spin department.
Our @ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, announced by our captain 🇳🇿 #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/oSwMpTeEiO
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025
New Zealand’s batting unit comprised 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 fares in the tournament.
Here’s the New Zealand squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Pakistan Tri-Series:
Squad: 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 standby since 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 are playing in the SA20 2025.
The SA20 2025 final is set to be held 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 faces Pakistan on February 8 and South Africa on February 10 in the upcoming Tri-series, followed by a warm-up game against Afghanistan on February 16 before the Champions Trophy.