Champions Trophy 2025: Santner To Lead New Zealand Squad, Young Pacers Included

January 12, 2025: New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, with a fresh pace attack and key veterans leading the way. The tournament will be Mitchell Santner’s first major ICC event as the white-ball captain of New Zealand. Santner guided the team to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka in both the ODI and T20I formats at home recently.

The squad features Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith, who are all set to make their senior debut in an ICC event. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson lead the pace attack, with Ferguson playing in his fifth ICC event, having been crucial for New Zealand in the last two ICC ODI and T20I World Cups. Should Ferguson be unavailable due to franchise cricket commitments, Jacob Duffy is named as a reserve player.

Kane Williamson and Tom Latham bring valuable experience, with Latham set to take the wicketkeeping gloves for the tournament. Santner will be the frontline spinner, supported by all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

Key fixtures in New Zealand’s Group Stage:

• February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
• February 24 – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
• March 2 – India vs New Zealand, Dubai

This squad combines youth and experience, with veterans like Williamson and Latham complementing the rising stars in the pace attack and spin options. New Zealand will be aiming to make a strong impact in the Champions Trophy.