It feels like Pakistan has become a second home for the New Zealand cricket team. Since 2019, no visiting team has played more ODIs in Pakistan than the Black Caps. They have also played six games in Karachi, the venue where they will kickstart their campaign against the tournament hosts.
New Zealand last won the Champions Trophy in 2000, and since then, they have come heartbreakingly close on multiple occasions, including the 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 World Cups. With years of near-misses, could this finally be the time they bring it home?
Current form
New Zealand is in rich form, having recently won a tri-series in Pakistan. Since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup, they have won two out of three bilateral series. Their middle order is settled, their bowlers are in form, and their opening pair looks strong. It seems the Black Caps have everything in place just before the global tournament.
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, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
Probable playing XI
- Devon Conway
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Matt Henry
- Jacob Duffy
- Will O’Rourke
Key players
Glenn Phillips
Phillips has been a vital contributor to New Zealand’s batting order, scoring 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 109.29. His ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs makes him a key player. Additionally, his handy off-spin provides an extra bowling option.
Matt Henry
Henry has been New Zealand’s most lethal bowler, taking 14 wickets at a stunning economy rate of 4.62 and an exceptional average of 14.79. His ability to strike early with the new ball and contain runs makes him a crucial asset.
Kane Williamson
Williamson’s experience and consistency are invaluable to New Zealand’s batting lineup. He has been in outstanding form, scoring 225 runs at an average of 112.5 and a strike rate of 89.64. His ability to anchor the innings and guide the team through pressure situations will be instrumental in their campaign.
Players to watch out for
Rachin Ravindra
Ravindra has been an explosive batter in the middle order, scoring 203 runs at a strike rate of 119.41. His aggressive approach can put pressure on opposition bowlers, and his all-round ability adds further depth to the squad.
Will O’Rourke (WOR)
O’Rourke has been an effective bowler, picking up 14 wickets at an economy of 5.86. However, with Ben Sears injured, he may have to take on a different role, bowling in the middle overs instead of his preferred powerplay phase. His ability to adapt to this change will be crucial for New Zealand’s success.
Strengths
Batting in the middle overs
New Zealand has been the most dominant side in the middle overs, boasting the best run rate (5.72) in this phase. Their ability to build partnerships and accelerate when needed makes them a formidable batting unit.
All-rounder depth
The presence of Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Mitchell Santner provides New Zealand with flexibility. All three can contribute significantly with both bat and ball, offering balance to the squad.
Strong batting lineup
With key players like Phillips, Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell in form, New Zealand’s batting depth is one of their biggest strengths. Several players have maintained high strike rates while averaging well, making their lineup adaptable to different match situations.
Weaknesses
Lack of a middle-overs enforcer
The injury to Ben Sears has disrupted New Zealand’s bowling plans, forcing Will O’Rourke to move away from his preferred powerplay bowling role. This could leave the team vulnerable in the middle overs, an area where they may struggle to contain aggressive opposition batters.
Form of Tom Latham
Although he found some runs in the final of the tri-series, Latham has been struggling for form recently. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
New Zealand has the potential to dominate with their strong batting lineup and all-round depth, but their bowling execution in the middle overs will be a key factor in determining their success in the tournament.
