New Delhi: As New Zealand approaches the ICC Champions Trophy, they face challenges stemming from the fading 'Golden Generation' and a lack of experience in their pace attack. However, the outstanding performance of batter Kane Williamson, the fresh leadership of all-rounder Mitchell Santner, and the emergence of promising young talent are significant factors to consider as they aim to break their trophy drought.
New Zealand will begin their tournament journey against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19, followed by matches against Bangladesh on February 24 in Rawalpindi and India on March 2 in Dubai. This time, the Kiwis are entering the competition with a balanced blend of youth and experience, guided by their new white-ball captain, Mitchell Santner.
Leading up to the tournament, New Zealand has participated in four bilateral and tri-nation series, securing victories in three. Their only setback was a 2-0 defeat to Sri Lanka on their home turf. Overall, the Kiwis have demonstrated impressive form, positioning themselves favorably ahead of the tournament.
In the 11 ODIs played since the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand has achieved seven wins and suffered four losses.
Positives:
Strong winning momentum: The Kiwis carry significant momentum into the tournament, having won seven out of their last 11 ODIs. Their recent success in a competitive tri-nation series in Pakistan has further bolstered their confidence and motivation.
Familiarity with Pakistani conditions: Just prior to the tournament, New Zealand gained valuable experience playing in Pakistan, winning all three ODIs in the tri-series. This familiarity provides them with an advantage over their group rivals, including Pakistan (the tri-series finalists), India, and Bangladesh.
Kane Williamson's Outstanding Form: The former New Zealand captain is currently experiencing an exceptional phase in his ODI career. Since the 2019 World Cup, despite missing numerous matches, Williamson has made a significant impact. In the 19 ODIs played post-2019 World Cup, he has amassed 903 runs in 18 innings, boasting an impressive average of 64.50 and a strike rate of 80.26, including one century and seven half-centuries. His highest score stands at an unbeaten 133.
Abundance of 'X Factor' Players: The New Zealand team is fortunate to possess a wealth of young talent capable of altering the course of a game in an instant. This includes left-handed batting sensation Rachin Ravindra, who has been in excellent form since the 2023 World Cup, as well as the versatile Glenn Phillips, who excels in batting, bowling, wicketkeeping, and making game-changing catches and run-outs. Additionally, the young pacer Will O'Rourke, at just 23 years old, represents a promising future for the Kiwis, who have the potential to become prominent figures in the Champions Trophy.
*Challenges:
- Lack of Experience in the Pace Attack: This ICC tournament marks a significant change for the Kiwis, as they will compete without their seasoned pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee for the first time in many years. Boult has opted for T20 league commitments and family time after a distinguished career, while Southee has announced his retirement from international cricket. In their absence, the pace attack will be led by Matt Henry, who has taken 155 wickets in 87 ODIs, but he will miss the support of experienced teammates. The less experienced O'Rourke (14 wickets in nine ODIs), Jacob Duffy (19 wickets in 11 ODIs), and Nathan Smith (six wickets in six ODIs) will need to step up.
- Fitness Concerns and Injuries: Pacer Lockie Ferguson is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, casting doubt on his availability. Furthermore, pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring tear. Their absence significantly weakens the Kiwi pace attack, and the loss of Lockie's experience and ability to bowl at high speeds will be felt if he is unable to participate. Final updates on his condition are still pending.
Top performers from the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup to the present:
Leading run-scorers: Will Young has amassed 484 runs in 12 matches, averaging 48.40, including one century and three half-centuries. Mark Chapman follows with 272 runs in seven matches at an average of 45.33, featuring three half-centuries. Kane Williamson has scored 225 runs in three matches, boasting an impressive average of 112.50, with one century and one fifty. Tom Latham has contributed 204 runs in eight matches at an average of 29.14, including two fifties, while Rachin Ravindra has tallied 203 runs in seven matches at an average of 29.00, with one fifty.
Top wicket-takers: Matt Henry leads with 14 wickets in five matches, averaging 14.64. Will O'Rourke also has 14 wickets but in nine matches, with an average of 29.57. Jacob Duffy has claimed 12 wickets in eight matches at an average of 25.91, while Michael Bracewell has taken 11 wickets in seven matches, averaging 25.09. Mitchell Santner rounds out the list with 10 wickets in nine matches, averaging 30.50.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), 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, and Jacob Duffy.
