Strongest New Zealand Playing 11 for the ICC Champions Trophy

Close but never enough has been the story of New Zealand in ICC tournaments. A mighty team for the others in the game, New Zealand's tale in the ICC championships has been hard-hitting and disappointing. Losing from an unfortunate error and the barest of margins in the 2019 ODI World Cup against England, the Kiwis have been searching for their next big chance in the format ever since. In the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand was knocked out in the semi-finals at the hands of the hosts, India. Now, they have a chance at yet another ODI trophy as the ICC Champions Trophy returns after a long wait of eight years. The Kiwis, meanwhile, look in an ideal position as they come following a title victory in the Pakistan ODI tri-series.

Likely New Zealand Playing 11 for ICC Champions Trophy

As is the story for almost every other team in the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand comes to the tournament with major injury concerns in the squad. The ICC tournament marks a tough transition for the Kiwis as they play without the lethal pace options, Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Meanwhile, they were hit with an extra blow when Lockie Ferguson picked up a hamstring injury during his time in the ILT20. Though they remain hopeful for a timely return, the pace department otherwise depends on Matt Henry and William O'Rourke. Moreover, they received yet another setback, a late update about another injury in the pace department. Ben Sears was ruled out of their Champions Trophy squad as Jacob Duffy joined them as a replacement.

Apart from the bowling department, New Zealand was welcomed to Pakistan in a rather rough way for the ODI tri-series. Playing in the first match, their opening prospect, Rachin Ravindra, was hit square on his forehead as he lost the ball in the lights while fielding. The batter started bleeding on the ground itself, and it was later informed that Ravindra sustained a laceration on his forehead. The batter didn't play any other match in the tri-series, and it remains unclear whether he would be made available for the ICC Champions Trophy or not. However, despite his absence, New Zealand managed to script an unbeaten run in the series, where they beat the hosts in the final to lift the trophy.

In Ravindra's absence, New Zealand fielded Will Young and Devon Conway up the top, a combination that worked fine for the Kiwis. Moreover, the batting order further features the experienced Kane Williamson, whose anchoring skills would come in handy during the marquee event. Next up, New Zealand gains a fair edge with Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips hitting sublime form. Moreover, the group appears to work seamlessly under the captaincy of spin all-rounder Mitchell Santner, with the spinner himself in impressive form ahead of the championship.

The spin department, on the other hand, poses another concern for the squad. The skipper, Santner, comes as the only primary spin option. While Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell can fill in if the need arises, the group can't rely on the part-time options for a wicket, especially with doubt looming over Rachin's availability. Clearly, New Zealand, like India and Australia, would need the batting lineup to do the heavy lifting throughout the tournament if they are eyeing a likable finish in the ICC Champions Trophy. Moreover, even if not Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand would be highly hopeful for the return of Lockie Ferguson from his injury to add significant depth to their pace lineup.

New Zealand will open the tournament against the defending champions, Pakistan, on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Their next fixtures include a clash with Bangladesh before they face India in the last group-stage match on March 2 in Dubai.

Predicted New Zealand Playing 11 for the ICC Champions Trophy

Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke.