3 In Form Players For New Zealand Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025

Akshita Patel

3 key in-form players for New Zealand for Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]3 key in-form players for New Zealand for Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin from February 19 and with less than 10 days left, all teams are busy striking the right balance in their squad. New Zealand, in particular, will have a new captain Mitchell Santner for this tournament. 

To get some necessary pre-tournament practice, New Zealand are playing a tri-nation ODI series with Pakistan and South Africa. They have already won the first two ODIs with a significant margin which will indeed boost their confidence ahead of the mega event. 

However, here are 3 in-form players who will likely have a deeper impact on New Zealand’s title-winning hope.

3. Matt Henry

Matt Henry [Source: @SomersetCCC/X.com]Matt Henry [Source: @SomersetCCC/X.com]

Right-arm fast bowler Matt Henry has been a revelation for New Zealand's bowling attack. He can swing the new ball both ways and maintain disciplined lines to trouble the opposition’s batting unit. 

  • As for his recent form, Henry picked 5 wickets in 2 ODIs of the tri-nation series against South Africa and Pakistan. His economy was around 5.65, which is decent in the ODI format.
  • He also played Super Smash T20 tournament in December, and January and picked 11 wickets in 6 innings with a stunning economy of 4.79. He also picked a fifer for 18 runs against Wellington.
  • During the Test series against Sri Lanka, Matt Henry picked 9 wickets in 3 innings and produced two four-wicket hauls with an excellent economy of 3.72.

2. Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell [Source: @Kiwiscricketfan/X.com]Daryl Mitchell [Source: @Kiwiscricketfan/X.com]

Right-handed middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell is another key figure in New Zealand’s batting lineup. He can bat with aggressive intent and delivery under pressure, which is crucial in an ICC tournament. 

  • In the tri-nation series, Mitchell smashed a magnificent 81 off 84 balls against Pakistan with a strike rate of 96.43.
  • In Super Smash 2024-25, the batter scored 155 runs in 4 innings with a strike rate of 134.78 and an average of 38.75. He scored a fifty against Northern Brave at a brisk pace.
  • In addition, during a Test series against England held in December 2024, Daryl Mitchell amassed 215 runs in 6 innings with a 52.18 strike rate and 35.83 average. He slammed two fifties and played the anchor role for New Zealand.

1. Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]Kane Williamson [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]

The backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, Kane Williamson is back in scintillating form after recovering from recent injury issues. The right-hander batter has always been the man of crisis for the Kiwis and his impact in ICC events is undeniable.

  • As for recent form, Williamson slammed a century against South Africa in a tri-nation ODI series. He also scored a fifty in the first ODI against Pakistan, accumulating 191 runs in 2 games.
  • In the SA20 2025 season, the batter scored 233 runs in 7 innings with a strike rate of 118.88 and average of 46.60. During this time, he also made two unbeaten half-centuries.
  • Furthermore, Kane Williamson played to his full potential in the Test series against England held in December 2024. He made 396 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 61.15 and an average of 65.83. 
  • Williamson produced an influential century (156) in the third Test. Besides that, he bashed 93 runs and 61 runs in two innings of the 1st Test.