Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand announce 15-member squad; Devon Conway returns

New Zealand Cricket recently announced the 15-member New Zealand outfit for the Champions Trophy 2025. The deadline for submitting the provisional squad for each of the eight participants is January 12, 2025.

Spin-bowling all-rounder, Mitchell Santner will lead the side. Top-order batter, Devon Conway, currently donning the Joburg Super Kings jersey in the ongoing SA20, has been recalled to the 50-over squad. He previously played for the Kiwis in the first semi-final of the Cricket World Cup in 2023. A fracture to his thumb in a T20I against Australia in February of last year ruled him out of the subsequent Indian Premier League. Apart from Mitchell Hay and Jacob Duffy, the squad is the same as the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka which ended up 2-1 in favour of the Black Caps. 

The top-order entails Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, and Mark Chapman. The left-hand opening duo of Young and Ravindra would be expected to set New Zealand off to decent starts. Tom Latham is expected to fulfill wicketkeeping duties. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips are expected to bat around him.

Michael Bracewell will be expected to operate alongside the skipper as far as the spin-bowling department is concerned. Right-arm medium pacer, Ben Sears, possesses every likelihood of earning his debut ODI cap in the upcoming tournament. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson are set to lead the line, with Will O’Rourke projected to provide adequate support.

Tri-nation series will be vital for New Zealand ahead of Champions Trophy

Meanwhile, ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand will play in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, along with the hosts and South Africa. The run of games in that tournament is expected to provide a further indication as to the XI that New Zealand could field in the ninth installement of the marquee ODI tournament. The Black Caps are coming off a successful white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah to miss group-stage matches of Champions Trophy 2025 due to back swelling