JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL
The Black Caps have announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE, and among the highlights is the inclusion of three promising pace bowlers: Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith. This marks their debut at a senior ICC event, a significant achievement in their young careers.
The Champions Trophy, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the cricket calendar, kicks off next month. It will be an exciting challenge for the Black Caps, who have a rich history in ICC events. With only a few weeks to go, New Zealand is gearing up for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year.
- Ben Sears, recently recovering from a knee injury, makes his return to international cricket.
- Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith are set to make their ICC tournament debuts.
- Mitchell Santner will lead the Black Caps in the Champions Trophy.
- New Zealand has been drawn into a competitive Group A with Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
A New Era for New Zealand’s Pace Attack
Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith have all earned their spots in the squad, with the trio making their first appearance in a major ICC tournament. This is a significant milestone in their careers and a testament to their hard work.
O’Rourke and Smith were part of the Black Caps squad that recently faced Sri Lanka in an ODI series. Their performances, although not perfect, showed promise. Meanwhile, Ben Sears returns from injury, having been sidelined after a knee issue prevented him from participating in the November Test series in India.
Sears has been a consistent performer for the Wellington Firebirds, and his recovery is a huge boost for the Black Caps. His return to form in the Super Smash competition signals that he’s ready to make an impact. The Black Caps are eager to see what Sears can bring to the table in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Team Leadership: Santner at the Helm
Mitchell Santner, the experienced all-rounder, has been named as the captain for the tournament. His leadership skills will be crucial as New Zealand looks to perform well in a highly competitive group.
Santner’s vast experience, having played in previous ICC tournaments, makes him a natural choice for the role. Alongside him, the team will rely on the leadership of veteran players like Kane Williamson, the former captain, and Tom Latham, the wicketkeeper.
The Black Caps’ strong leadership team, combined with their young, energetic players, makes them a dangerous side in the competition. Santner is determined to lead New Zealand to another strong showing in the Champions Trophy, drawing on lessons learned from past experiences.
Key Players to Watch
While the new pace trio will be key to New Zealand’s success, there are other players to watch as well. Mark Chapman, who recently scored a brilliant 81 against Sri Lanka, has earned a spot in the squad. He will bring some much-needed stability to the batting order.
Kane Williamson, who has not played an ODI since November 2023, will also be a vital presence in the middle order. His calm and composed nature has made him a fan favorite and a key player for New Zealand over the years.
In addition to Williamson and Chapman, all-rounders like Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra will add depth to the team. Their ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball will be invaluable in the tough competition ahead.
The Black Caps’ ICC Champions Trophy History
New Zealand has a rich history in ICC tournaments, having reached the semifinals or beyond in four of their last five major ICC events. Their success in tournaments like the ICC World Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup has made them one of the most consistent teams on the global stage.
The ICC Champions Trophy has been a part of that success. In 2000, New Zealand made history by winning the tournament, known then as the ICC KnockOut Trophy. This win remains one of their most iconic moments in cricket.
The Black Caps have always been a competitive force in ICC events, and they will be aiming to add another trophy to their collection in the 2023 Champions Trophy.
A Tough Group Stage Awaits
The Black Caps have been drawn into Group A of the Champions Trophy, alongside hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. With only two teams able to progress, the competition will be fierce.
The opening match against Pakistan in Karachi will be a crucial test. Playing in front of home fans, Pakistan will be looking to start the tournament on a high, but New Zealand is ready for the challenge.
After facing Pakistan, the Black Caps will take on Bangladesh and India in their remaining group-stage matches. These games will be tough, but New Zealand’s players are excited about the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best teams in the world.
Warm-up Matches and Final Preparations
Before the tournament begins, the Black Caps will take part in a warm-up Tri-Series in Karachi and Lahore against Pakistan and South Africa. These matches will provide an important opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy.
In addition to the Tri-Series, the team will play an ICC warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi. These warm-up games are critical for getting the team into the right mindset before the tournament starts.
The Black Caps are confident that their preparation will be thorough and that they will be ready to perform when the tournament begins.
Champions Trophy Fixtures
The ICC Champions Trophy 2023 will officially kick off on February 19 with New Zealand’s opening match against Pakistan. The group stages will continue with matches against Bangladesh and India, followed by the semifinals and final.
The tournament will conclude with the final on March 9, where the best teams from the group stage will battle it out for the coveted trophy. New Zealand, with their strong squad and preparation, will be aiming for a deep run in the competition.
Full Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy:
- 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
Meta Title & Description
Meta Description: Discover the Black Caps’ squad for the 2023 ICC Champions Trophy, featuring new pace bowlers, experienced leaders, and upcoming fixtures in Pakistan and UAE.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
