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 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be played from February 19 to 9. March.
The Black Caps on Sunday posted a video on their social media account February 19.
New Zealand announces 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 cap for the first time in a global event. Santner, known for his calm demeanor and 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 support from 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 Nathan Smith.
Ben Sears, who was a 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, featuring Pakistan and South Africa.
Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith qualify for the 2025 New Zealand Champions Cup campaign
On the other hand, right-arm spinner 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 has impressively taken 36 wickets in just 10 Tests.
Speaking of Nathan Smith, the all-rounder adds depth to the Kiwi side 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.
Meanwhile, Mark Chapman and Will Young have also secured a place in the Black Caps squad for the upcoming prestigious tournament and ODI Tri Series in Pakistan. The inclusion of New Zealand bowler Michael Bracewell also strengthened the spin department.
our @International Criminal Court Champions Cup 2025 squad, announced by our captain 🇳🇿 #Champions Cup pic.twitter.com/oSwMpTeEiO
— Black Caps (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025
The New Zealand batting unit consists of very familiar names such as Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Darryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Rashin Ravindra. It will be interesting to see how the relatively inexperienced pace attack fares in the tournament.
Here is New Zealand's squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and Pakistan tri-series:
Team: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Darryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rashin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Schaap.
Notably, Jacob Duffy has been named as a reserve player since Lockie Ferguson is unavailable for the tri-series due to his commitment for ILT20 2025. On the other hand, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway will also have to make a quick shift as they play in SA20 2025.
The SA20 2025 final is scheduled for February 9, while the ILT20 2025 is scheduled for February 10. Therefore, the T20 League-bound players are set to miss a few matches, with New Zealand facing 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.
