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New Zealand will enter the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the strongest title contenders, with Mitchell Santner leading the side as their new white-ball captain. The Black Caps, who have previously lifted the Champions Trophy, will be eager to prove their credentials as tournament favorites. Their recent performances on the international stage, including their success in subcontinental conditions, bolster their claim as one of the teams to watch in this edition of the tournament.
New Zealand’s title aspirations in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The tournament opener against hosts Pakistan will be a critical test for New Zealand, as it is expected to have a direct impact on their semi-final qualification chances. Playing against Pakistan in Karachi, in front of a passionate home crowd, will be a challenging yet defining moment for Santner’s side. The match is seen as a virtual quarterfinal by many, as both teams are strong contenders to progress from the group stage.
New Zealand’s group-stage journey also features clashes against India and Bangladesh, two sides capable of producing upsets. The Black Caps will be mindful of their record against both teams and will look to build momentum early in the tournament. A strong start against Pakistan could set the tone for their campaign, while their fixture against India will be another highly anticipated battle.
What adds to New Zealand’s confidence is their recent Tri-Nation Series triumph in Pakistan, where they dominated both the hosts and South Africa. Their unbeaten run in Lahore and Karachi, which included two victories over Pakistan, highlights their adaptability to subcontinental conditions. With this success fresh in their minds, New Zealand will be optimistic about making a deep run in the Champions Trophy 2025, aiming to add another major title to their cabinet.
Also READ: CT 2025: New Zealand’s record in ICC Champions Trophy history
Pakistan: A major threat to New Zealand’s Champions Trophy hopes
Strengths: Lethal fast bowling and unpredictable match-winning ability
Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack is their biggest weapon, featuring a deadly trio in Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. These pacers bring a combination of express pace, movement off the pitch, and swing, making them a nightmare for top-order batters. If conditions assist seamers, New Zealand’s batters could struggle, especially against Shaheen’s ability to strike early with the new ball.
Adding to their arsenal is their spin department, led by Abrar Ahmed, who can control the middle overs and provide key breakthroughs. Pakistan also possesses a talented batting lineup, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan offering reliability and consistency, while Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha bring an aggressive approach to finishing innings.
One of Pakistan’s biggest strengths is their ability to win big matches unpredictably. They have a history of thriving under pressure and pulling off unexpected upsets, which makes them an extremely dangerous opponent.
Weaknesses: Batting vulnerabilities and fielding inconsistencies
Despite having world-class players, Pakistan’s batting remains inconsistent under pressure. Their middle order has often collapsed in high-stakes matches, leading to low totals or underwhelming chases. If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fail to fire, Pakistan’s fragile middle order could struggle to build or accelerate innings. Another long-standing issue is fielding, where Pakistan has frequently lost matches due to dropped catches and misfields in crucial moments. Against a team like New Zealand, which thrives on efficiency and sharp fielding, Pakistan’s lapses in the field could prove costly.
Threats to New Zealand: Early collapse and high-pressure bowling spells
Pakistan’s biggest threat to New Zealand lies in their ability to destroy batting lineups with early breakthroughs. If Shaheen finds swing, he could trouble New Zealand’s openers, exposing their middle order early. Naseem’s seam movement and Rauf’s raw pace could further exploit any weaknesses in New Zealand’s batting.
Another key concern for New Zealand is Pakistan’s ability to thrive in unpredictable moments. If a match gets tense, Pakistan has the talent to turn it in their favor, just like they did in the Champions Trophy 2017 final. New Zealand must ensure they dominate the key moments and not let Pakistan gain momentum, or they could find themselves in serious trouble.
Bangladesh: A spin-heavy challenge for New Zealand
Strengths: World-class spinners and tactical bowling variety
Bangladesh has transformed into a dangerous opponent in white-ball cricket, particularly due to their spin attack, which thrives in subcontinent conditions. Their most potent weapon is Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who can control the game, apply pressure, and take crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Their pace attack, featuring Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, adds variety with sharp bouncers, swing, and deceptive cutters. Mustafizur’s ability to trouble batters at the death with his slower balls and variations makes him a key factor against New Zealand’s finishers.
Bangladesh’s batting lineup has also improved significantly. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudullah provide stability, while Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik can accelerate when needed, making their batting unit more adaptable to different match situations.
Weaknesses: Struggles under pressure and lower-order frailties
Bangladesh’s biggest concern remains their inability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches. While they have defeated top teams on occasions, they have struggled to convert strong starts into match-winning performances in ICC tournaments.
Their middle order’s inconsistency against high-quality pace attacks is another vulnerability. Against a strong bowling lineup like New Zealand’s, Bangladesh’s batters could find it difficult to keep up the scoring rate. Additionally, their lower order lacks firepower, meaning they often struggle to accelerate towards the end of an innings.
Threats to New Zealand: Spin domination and restrictive bowling
Bangladesh could seriously trouble New Zealand if the pitch favors spin. Mehidy Hasan has the ability to apply relentless pressure in the middle overs, restricting New Zealand’s scoring and forcing risky shots. If the Kiwis fail to rotate strike effectively, they could find themselves struggling to set or chase competitive targets.
Moreover, Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack could make it difficult for New Zealand’s batters to play freely. With Mustafizur’s variations at the death, Bangladesh could choke the flow of runs in the final overs, making them a tricky opponent that New Zealand cannot afford to underestimate.
India: A tough opponent even without Bumrah and Siraj
Strengths: Dominant batting and quality spin attack
India’s biggest strength against New Zealand lies in their deep and experienced batting lineup. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill forming the core of the top order, India has the ability to build solid foundations and accelerate when needed. If the conditions favor stroke play, India’s batters can dominate New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Additionally, India’s middle order is packed with dynamic players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, who can play both anchor and aggressor roles. Their adaptability ensures that India can recover from early wickets and finish strongly.
Even in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India boasts a well-balanced bowling attack. Their spin department, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, is a major weapon, especially on pitches that offer turn. Kuldeep’s wrist spin can trouble New Zealand’s middle order, while Jadeja’s all-round skills add stability. Hardik Pandya’s medium pace also provides an additional seam option, ensuring India remains competitive even without their premier fast bowlers.
Weaknesses: Weakened pace attack and death-bowling concerns
With Bumrah and Siraj missing, India’s fast-bowling attack loses its cutting edge and early strike power. New Zealand’s batters, particularly Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, could find it easier to handle India’s pace options in the powerplay Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh– potential replacements – lack the same experience and consistency against high-quality batting lineups. Another area of concern is death bowling, where India could struggle to contain New Zealand’s hard-hitters like Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell. Without Bumrah’s yorkers and Siraj’s late swing, India’s bowling unit might find it difficult to defend tight margins in the final overs.
Threats to New Zealand: Spin dominance and batting depth
Despite their pace attack being weakened, India still poses a significant threat to New Zealand, particularly through their spinners. Kuldeep’s ability to deceive batters with turn and variations can make stroke play difficult, while Jadeja’s accuracy and sharp fielding could build pressure in the middle overs. If the pitch assists spinners, New Zealand’s middle order could struggle to keep the scoreboard moving.
Another major threat is India’s batting depth. Even if New Zealand takes early wickets, India’s lower order, featuring Pandya, Axar Patel and Jadeja can add valuable runs. This depth ensures that India remains a dangerous opponent throughout the innings, making them a formidable challenge for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.
