[PICTURE/VIDEOS] ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand squad announced

[The Bald Eagle]

Santner-led New Zealand announce 15-member ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 squad

New Zealand have announced their 15-member squad that’s all set to compete at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with their opening game set against hosts Pakistan on 19 February.

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.

This will be the first major ICC tournament leading the side for new white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner, after a successful stint in the ODI & T20I series at home against Sri Lanka.

The pace trio of Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith all feature in the squad, and are set to play their maiden senior ICC event.

Captain Santner is the frontline spin option, leading all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra all playing support.

Senior figures Kane Williamson and Tom Latham lend valuable experience to the side, with the latter set to take the wicketkeeping gloves for the tournament.

Santner, Williamson and Latham were all part of New Zealand's squad for the previous edition of the Champions Trophy in England and Wales in 2017. Williamson also featured at the 2013 edition in England.

Matt Henry will spearhead the pace bowling attack alongside veteran Lockie Ferguson, who is set to play his fifth ICC event having played a key role in the last two ICC ODI and T20I World Cups.

Jacob Duffy could also feature in the squad – he is named as reserve player – should Lockie Ferguson become unavailable because of franchise cricket commitments.

“Ultimately, we’ve gone with the squad that will offer us the best options to perform well in the expected conditions in Pakistan and the UAE.

“We’re lucky to have a large chunk of the group with significant international and tournament experience to draw upon.

“The tournament format is a unique one in that you have to hit the ground running which means our preparation in the pre-leading Tri Series is really important.

“It’s going to be a great occasion opening the tournament against hosts in Pakistan in Karachi and we can’t wait to get over there and get stuck in.”

Stead will lead a support staff group featuring batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram, while Rangana Herath returns to provide specialist spin support having supported the team during last year’s Test tours of Sri Lanka and India.

The BLACKCAPS begin their preparations for the Champions Trophy with a warm-up Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi and Lahore, before an ICC warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi.

The Champions Trophy campaign gets underway with the opening match of the tournament against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19.

The squad will depart for Pakistan on February 3.

New Zealand's Group Stage Fixtures:

19 February - Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi

24 February - Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi

2 March - India vs New Zealand, Dubai

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Strong squad

1. Rachin Ravindra
2. Devon Conway
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham (wk)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Mark Chapman
8. Mitchell Santner (c)
9. Matt Henry
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Will O'Rourke

 

[Devadwal]

Strong squad

1. Rachin Ravindra
2. Devon Conway
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham (wk)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Mark Chapman
8. Mitchell Santner (c)
9. Matt Henry
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Will O'Rourke

I think bracewell is solid spin allrounder so they need to play him instead Chapman .

 

[sweep_shot]

Very good squad.

I think they may go to semi-final.

 

[Devadwal]

This is Great that Captain announce the team and posts a Video. But here in India We have Devendra Pandey ( indian express) who releases it 2 days earlier than BCCI in random article!!

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Solid squad but surely they could've include a new ball bowler in Duffy ahead of one of Smith or Sears or Lockie ?

Otherwise it's as good as they could've hoped for

 

[BouncerGuy]

A pretty good squad but I don't think they are winning anything. Might end up choking in semis.

 

[mominsaigol]

Very strong squad but the end is inevitable, aus wins

 

[Justcrazy]

They will not make semis. They will choke before that.

 

[BouncerGuy]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1878328687046611170

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I think bracewell is solid spin allrounder so they need to play him instead Chapman .

Bracewell plays the same role as Santner, so he is unlikely to to play. Phillips and Ravindra usually make up the fifth bowler while Chapman at 7 gives them someone who can come in and accelerate at the end of the innings.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Solid squad but surely they could've include a new ball bowler in Duffy ahead of one of Smith or Sears or Lockie ?

Otherwise it's as good as they could've hoped for

Henry is probably playing every match, and my guess is they want O'Rourke to share the new-ball with him.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Henry is probably playing every match, and my guess is they want O'Rourke to share the new-ball with him.

Apart from Matt Henry , nobody else is proven with the new ball.

O Rourke has done nothing in ODI cricket. Ferguson has been mediocre for a long time - averages 44 after 2019 World Cup. Ben Sears averages 35 in List A and is yet to make his ODI debut. Nathan Smith averages 45 with the ball at 6.64 economy and hasn't done anything with the bat either.

A guy in form like Duffy should've made the squad especially when they've picked 5 seamers

 

[RidiculousMan]

Finally. Sanity prevailed and they dropped Ish Sodhi.

 

[Mobashir]

I think that will probably be the best team on paper for these conditions.
Best of luck to them.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Apart from Matt Henry , nobody else is proven with the new ball.

O Rourke has done nothing in ODI cricket. Ferguson has been mediocre for a long time - averages 44 after 2019 World Cup. Ben Sears averages 35 in List A and is yet to make his ODI debut. Nathan Smith averages 45 with the ball at 6.64 economy and hasn't done anything with the bat either.

A guy in form like Duffy should've made the squad especially when they've picked 5 seamers

Ferguson still offers pace and brings something different to the attack. O'Rourke may not have done anything yet but he seems like a real good player and someone they should be building their bowling attack around. Nathan Smith is more in the team for his all-round abilities, he is essentially replacing Neesham. And he has decent numbers in List A for a bowling all-rounder.

It's an untested attack but that's bound to happen when two established performers like Boult and Southee bow out.

I would have replaced Ben Sears with Jacob Duffy. But other than that, I would go with pretty much the same squad.

 

[Rana]

Will Young should play ahead of Williamson but NZ won’t take that risk. Overall, a solid side that won’t be dragged down because of Sodhi not being able to land six balls in one spot

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Ferguson still offers pace and brings something different to the attack. O'Rourke may not have done anything yet but he seems like a real good player and someone they should be building their bowling attack around. Nathan Smith is more in the team for his all-round abilities, he is essentially replacing Neesham. And he has decent numbers in List A for a bowling all-rounder.

It's an untested attack but that's bound to happen when two established performers like Boult and Southee bow out.

I would have replaced Ben Sears with Jacob Duffy. But other than that, I would go with pretty much the same squad.

Yeah I understand the reasoning behind all of those calls. And yeah Sears at least should have made way for Duffy.

 

[Rana]

Conway (wk)
Ravindra
Kane
Mitchell
Chapman
Phillips
Bracewell
Santner
O’Rourke
Furgouson
Henry

They need Conway to keep. Otherwise they will have to drop Chapman

 

[Devadwal]

Conway (wk)
Ravindra
Kane
Mitchell
Chapman
Phillips
Bracewell
Santner
O’Rourke
Furgouson
Henry

They need Conway to keep. Otherwise they will have to drop Chapman

Latham is solid player against spinners so i think they will need during middle period .

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yeah I understand the reasoning behind all of those calls. And yeah Sears at least should have made way for Duffy.

Sears seems like someone they are high on. Though personally speaking, I don't see whatever they are seeing.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Conway (wk)
Ravindra
Kane
Mitchell
Chapman
Phillips
Bracewell
Santner
O’Rourke
Furgouson
Henry

They need Conway to keep. Otherwise they will have to drop Chapman

Conway is not a good keeper. And Latham is an important player for them in the middle-order. Bracewell only plays if Santner doesn't. I don't see them playing two proper left arm spinners with Ravindra in there as well.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Will Young should play ahead of Williamson but NZ won’t take that risk. Overall, a solid side that won’t be dragged down because of Sodhi not being able to land six balls in one spot

Williamson is still their second best or best batsman in this format and one of the best batsmen in the world. Only way Young plays is if Conway is out of form.

 

[Rana]

Conway is not a good keeper. And Latham is an important player for them in the middle-order. Bracewell only plays if Santner doesn't. I don't see them playing two proper left arm spinners with Ravindra in there as well.

They are definitely going to play 2 spinners. Bracewell and Santner will play all games. They haven’t dropped Sodhi just for the sake of it.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Why aren't the rest of the teams announcing their squads publicly?

What are they hiding?

We fans want to make potential playing XI.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

They are definitely going to play 2 spinners. Bracewell and Santner will play all games. They haven’t dropped Sodhi just for the sake of it.

Don't see it happening. They've been going with Chapman at 7 since the WC. Also 3 left-arm spinners in the XI feels a bit like overkill.

Even before Sodhi wasn't an established member of the XI. They usually only played him on pitches they felt spinners had a chance on.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Sears seems like someone they are high on. Though personally speaking, I don't see whatever they are seeing.

High pace and bounce . They've picked consciously for that. Santner was quoted saying that .

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

High pace and bounce . They've picked consciously for that. Santner was quoted saying that .

I guess they are hedging their bets with Ferguson. He hasn't exactly delivered for them in quite some time.

Where is Adam Milne these days? I always thought he had potential, though I don't know what his recent performances have been

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I guess they are hedging their bets with Ferguson. He hasn't exactly delivered for them in quite some time.

Where is Adam Milne these days? I always thought he had potential, though I don't know what his recent performances have been

Too injury prone and plays leagues mostly when fit. Actually is a better ODI bowler than Lockie but won't last an entire tournament without some injury or the other.

 

[Rana]

Don't see it happening. They've been going with Chapman at 7 since the WC. Also 3 left-arm spinners in the XI feels a bit like overkill.

Even before Sodhi wasn't an established member of the XI. They usually only played him on pitches they felt spinners had a chance on.

Bracewell is 100% playing against Pakistan. They won’t forget his impeccable record against Babar. Plus he can be used as an option up front against Fakhar who already has a measure of most of their regular bowlers.

This time no Southee, Boult and Sodhi.

 

[shamaan]

Bracewell should be in the xi

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

T

Too injury prone and plays leagues mostly when fit. Actually is a better ODI bowler than Lockie but won't last an entire tournament without some injury or the other.

hat's a shame. I thought he had potential. Real smooth action too.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Bracewell is 100% playing against Pakistan. They won’t forget his impeccable record against Babar. Plus he can be used as an option up front against Fakhar who already has a measure of most of their regular bowlers.

This time no Southee, Boult and Sodhi.

Let's see. These types of things have a higher likability of happening in T20 where match-ups matter more. And I don't think Bracewell has any kind of extraordinary record against Pakistan in ODIs.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

NZ no doubt have a solid squad but why was Trent Boult not picked?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Michael Bracewell would be a big surprise for teams in CT 2025

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The one thing you can't underestimate about New Zealand is their spin-attack. Santner has bowled brilliantly in India in the past. In the World Cup and the recent test series. And he will be a big threat in these conditions too. But this time they have Michael Bracewell too. And then there are some very handy support options like Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. Phillips for me is an all-rounder. Dynamic batsman, a generational talent in the field and a very effective off-spinner.

It may look like an innocuous attack full of all-rounders, but they are very effective and now how to get the job done.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Injury to lead pacer puts New Zealand’s Champions Trophy plans in jeopardy

New Zealand face a nervous wait over the fitness of their key fast bowler ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Black Caps quick Lockie Ferguson's fitness is in question after he suffered a hamstring injury on Wednesday during the ILT20 in the UAE, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy and the preceding tri-series in Pakistan.

Ferguson was unable to deliver the final ball of his spell while playing for the Desert Vipers in the T20 league and left the field due to the injury.

As a result, the 33-year-old pacer missed the Vipers’ next match, an Eliminator against the Sharjah Warriors.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Ferguson addressed his injury, saying, "Just a little hamstring issue, unfortunate. Tough night; wish I could've bowled the last ball.”

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that Ferguson has undergone scans to assess the extent of the injury and is awaiting further details.

"Lockie had a scan yesterday [Thursday] in the UAE," Stead said the day before the start of the tri-series, starting 8 February. "We've got the images here and [we are] waiting for our radiologist to give us a report on the extent of it.

“Small hamstring injury, by the look of it, so we're just waiting on a timeline of advice around that before we make a decision on whether Lockie travels here [Pakistan] or whether we do have to replace him for the Champions Trophy."

New Zealand will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against hosts Pakistan in Group A on 19 February in Karachi, followed by matches against Bangladesh on 26 February in Rawalpindi and India on 2 March in Dubai.

ICC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sears ruled out of Champions Trophy | Duffy called in

BLACKCAPS fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a hamstring injury.

Sears felt some pain in his left hamstring at the team’s first training in Karachi on Wednesday and a subsequent scan revealed a minor tear that would require at least two weeks’ rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation timeframe means that Sears would likely be available for only the team’s final Group A match against India in Dubai, and so the decision was made to rule him out.

Sears will be replaced in the official Champions Trophy squad by Otago Volts bowler Jacob Duffy, who is already assembled with the team as part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa.

BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead said the news was bitterly disappointing for Sears.

“We’re all really feeling for Ben,” said Stead.

“It’s always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, and it’s especially tough in Ben’s case given it would have been his first major ICC event.

“The timeframes for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage, and given the short nature of the tournament, we felt it was appropriate to bring in a player who is fully fit and ready to go.

“Ben is a player with huge potential and given the short rehabilitation timeframe, we’re sure he’ll be fit and raring to go for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand.

Stead said Duffy was a strong replacement in the squad.

“Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at international level.

“He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series so he’s fully acclimatised and he’s got plenty of experience in these conditions and is fit and ready to go.

“He’s another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him.”

The BLACKCAPS begin their Champions Trophy campaign in the opening match of the tournament against the hosts Pakistan on Wednesday.

NZC

 

[Devadwal]

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Jacob Duffy as a replacement for Ben Sears in the New Zealand squad.

@Nikhil_cric You wanted Duffy to Play for NZ in the champion trophy and your wish is granted .

 

[Nikhil_cric]

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Jacob Duffy as a replacement for Ben Sears in the New Zealand squad.

@Nikhil_cric You wanted Duffy to Play for NZ in the champion trophy and your wish is granted .

Yep. I think this is pretty much strongest, realistic squad that NZ could have assembled.

Fortuitous for NZ. Sears was adding nothing to that squad. Now they have, potentially, a new ball partner for Matt Henry.

Lockie and O Rourke are better with that middle overs hard length stuff.

 

[Devadwal]

Yep. I think this is pretty much strongest, realistic squad that NZ could have assembled.

Fortuitous for NZ. Sears was adding nothing to that squad. Now they have, potentially, a new ball partner for Matt Henry.

Lockie and O Rourke are better with that middle overs hard length stuff.

Lockie is fit? I don't think so .

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Lockie is fit? I don't think so .

Yeah. He is fit now and was training.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yeah. He is fit now and was training.

Lockie has been poor as of late. He has pace but I don't know if he would still be a first-choice selection.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Lockie has been poor as of late. He has pace but I don't know if he would still be a first-choice selection.

Yes, which is why I feel it was important for them to include Duffy who has recent ODI form .

Lockie hasn't done anything since 2019 CWC. Sears and O Rourke are unproven and I don't rate Nathan Smith at all.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes, which is why I feel it was important for them to include Duffy who has recent ODI form .

Lockie hasn't done anything since 2019 CWC. Sears and O Rourke are unproven and I don't rate Nathan Smith at all.

Yeah I agree. Henry, Duffy, O'Rourke is their best combination now.

I thought Nathan Smith was in the side for his all-round abilities. But he is batting at 10 today.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Yeah I agree. Henry, Duffy, O'Rourke is their best combination now.

I thought Nathan Smith was in the side for his all-round abilities. But he is batting at 10 today.

At #9. And that's where they have been playing him since debut .

 

[BouncerGuy]

Southee backs Kiwi mix of youth and experience to shine in Champions Trophy

Tim Southee will find himself in unfamiliar territory watching the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 rather than playing but has backed his former teammates to impress in Pakistan.

The former Blackcaps bowler and captain called time on his international career at the end of 2024, meaning that both he and Trent Boult will be absent from the team that looks to bring home the trophy for the first time since 2000.

While the fast-bowling ranks look relatively inexperienced, Kane Williamson and captain Mitchell Santner know what it takes to make it to the sharp end of tournaments.

And having just won the Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan as a warm-up, Southee has been impressed with what he has seen.

He said: “The way the team have played, different guys have stepped up. It’s a good mix between some experienced guys and some exciting young guys with a lot of potential. The experience of this Tri-Nation Series is only going to stand them in good stead for the tournament.

“So, taking some momentum into the tournament and being accustomed to those conditions, it’s only going to be a good thing.

“Kane is in good form, it’s nice to see him with a couple of scores, he’s obviously class. He’s not played a lot of one-day cricket for the last few years but to see him come back and have two significant contributions is what we’re used to seeing. But it’s also pleasing for me now as a fan of the Black Caps.

“When he is in the middle, it comes with experience and the way he plays, he just looks in control the whole time. That is what sets those four or five batters apart from the rest. They are able to sum up conditions, sum up moments in games and more times than not, they come out on the right side of things. He brings a calmness to the group.

“Mitch has done a great job as captain. It’s still reasonably new to him but I experienced a bit of his captaincy towards the end of my career. He’s very calm, you see that in the way he plays his cricket.

“He thinks about the game well and I think he looks to lead with his performances across all three areas. He’s one of best fielders, an unbelievably skilful bowler and a more than useful batter so I’m sure he’ll be looking to lead in all those three areas.”

While Santner and Williamson provide the experience, there will be plenty of responsibility on fast bowler Will O’Rourke and all-rounder Nathan Smith, to lead the way in the post-Southee and Boult era.

O’Rourke impressed with four wickets in the Tri-Nation final against Pakistan, having also caught the eye in Test cricket, with Southee backing him to kick on.

He added: “It’s something different not having Trent and myself at an ICC event but at the same time, it’s exciting. These events are great to be a part of and it’s in front of these guys now, I’m very excited to see how they go.

“Will O’Rourke, in the Test game we’ve seen what he can do. He’s still so young but he’s got the all the attributes that are going to set him up to have a lot of success in international cricket. I’m looking forward to watching him in his first ICC event.

“Will is a man of few words but certainly listens and wants to get better. Nathan Smith has a real confidence about him, and believes in himself which I think you need at this level.

“Will is still learning, and the Tri-Nation Series - being exposed to those conditions - will be great for him. We know he’s got the pace and bounce, he’s got great skills. He just keeps growing, we’ve seen that in the Test game and he’s continued to get better.

“His game is far from finished but I’m sure he’ll be a massive asset to New Zealand cricket across all three formats for a long time to come.”

So can New Zealand go all the way and follow in the footsteps of the 2000 vintage? Southee certainly hopes so.

He concluded: “If you look at the track record of New Zealand in ICC events, they are always there or thereabouts. In a tournament like the Champions Trophy, if you get on a bit of a roll, anything can happen. I’d love to see the Blackcaps there and hopefully lifting the trophy at the end.”

 

[BouncerGuy]

Ferguson ruled out of Champions Trophy | Jamieson called in

BLACKCAPS fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a foot injury.

Ferguson felt some pain in his right foot after bowling a spell in the informal warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday and an initial medical assessment indicated he would not be fit enough to take part in the entire tournament.

Given the proximity to the start of the Champions Trophy and the short nature of the tournament, the decision was made to send Ferguson home to begin rehabilitation.

Canterbury Kings fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will replace Ferguson in the squad and will depart for Pakistan this evening.

Jamieson returned to domestic cricket for the Canterbury Kings in the Dream11 Super Smash in December, following a 10-month stint on the sideline rehabilitating a stress fracture in his back.

He played a key role as the Kings reached the Grand Final, finishing as the competition’s joint second leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets, including figures of 4-12 against the Central Stags at Hagley Oval.

He featured in Canterbury’s Round 8 Ford Trophy match against the Central Stags last week as well as today’s Round 9 win over Northern Districts in Hamilton.

BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead said it was tough news for Ferguson and the team.

“We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” said Stead.

“Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event.

“We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon.”

Stead said Jamieson’s unique skillset made him an effective replacement for Ferguson.

“Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan,” he said.

“He’s shown since returning in the Dream11 Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he’s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you’re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event.

“We’ve been pleased with the progress he’s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy match mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament.”

The BLACKCAPS begin their Champions Trophy campaign in the opening match of the tournament against the hosts Pakistan in Karachi this evening (10:00pm NZT).

SOURCE: https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/ferguson-ruled-out-of-champions-trophy-jamieson-called-in/

 

[Rana]

The potential Champion XI

1. Devon Conway
2. Rachin Ravendra
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Micheal Bracewell
8. Mitch Santner
9. Matt Henry
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Matt O’Rourke

No halwa free wicket for Shaheen or Naseem in Young up front!

 

[Devadwal]

The potential Champion XI

1. Devon Conway
2. Rachin Ravendra
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Micheal Bracewell
8. Mitch Santner
9. Matt Henry
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Matt O’Rourke

No halwa free wicket for Shaheen or Naseem in Young up front!

Bhai lockie Ferguson is already ruled out from the champions trophy .

Duffy will play against Pakistan .

 

[Rana]

Bhai lockie Ferguson is already ruled out from the champions trophy .

Duffy will play against Pakistan .

Better to play Chapman and go with extra batsman

Kane and Phillips share 5th bowler overs

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Surprised to see what a poor record Jamieson has in white-ball. He would still be a massive threat if he plays but I think NZ would be more inclined to play Duffy considering his recent form.

Yeah he hasn't actually done anything in white ball cricket and he's 30 years old.

Still, they picked him based on his form in the Super Smash where he went at less than 6 RPO and was one of the main reasons Canterbury got to the final.

I, too, think Duffy should start ahead of Jamieson

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

1. Devon Conway
2. Rachin Ravindra
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham (wk)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner (c)
9. Matt Henry
10. Jacob Duffy
11. Will O’Rourke


Pretty good and balanced side with very limited liabilities.

 

[Devadwal]

1. Devon Conway
2. Rachin Ravindra
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham (wk)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner (c)
9. Matt Henry
10. Jacob Duffy
11. Will O’Rourke


Pretty good and balanced side with very limited liabilities.

Only problem is All Three Pacers( Even Jamieson) are new ball bowler's. so interested to see how they are going to Bowl in the death Overs.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Only problem is All Three Pacers( Even Jamieson) are new ball bowler's. so interested to see how they are going to Bowl in the death Overs.

That is one of their drawbacks. Infact the entire pace attack is somewhat inexperienced with the exception of Henry. Other liability is Latham with the bat. But when you compare them to other teams, they are still in a far better place.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Now the Blackcaps are even stronger

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[FearlessRoar]

Tom Latham, during a media interaction:

“We're fortunate enough we had a tri-series in Pakistan and against South Africa. So, we've got a chance to look back on those experiences and give it our best in a semifinal, which is pretty cool."

“The (South Africa) team that we played potentially will be slightly different, they had a lot of guys that weren't in that side. They were still playing in their SAT20 back in South Africa, so will be slightly different. But I guess from our point of view, we'll lean back on those experiences of Lahore in playing against South Africa.”

 

[FearlessRoar]

New Zealand Set Champions Trophy Record in Semi-Final Against South Africa

New Zealand's 362/6 in Lahore is now the highest total in ICC Men's Champions Trophy history. The previous record was also set at the same venue during Australia's group-stage clash against England on February 22. This total also ranks as the third-highest in an ICC tournament knockout match.