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CSK Duo To Open, Surprise Bowler In; New Zealand's Strongest XI For Champions Trophy

Debashis Sarangi

Williamson will be a vital part of NZ's playing XI [Source: @thecricketgully/X]Williamson will be a vital part of NZ's playing XI [Source: @thecricketgully/X]

This morning, New Zealand confirmed their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy event in Pakistan and UAE. While Mitchell Santner will lead the side, the likes of Kane Williamson, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra form the BlackCaps core team. 

New Zealand will begin their Champions Trophy campaign with a high-voltage tournament opener against Pakistan before taking on India and Bangladesh in the subsequent matches. So, as the Kiwis gear up for the marquee event, let's analyse and find out their strongest possible playing XI. 

Top Order: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson

The reliable duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra should open the batting for New Zealand, as they enjoyed stellar success as top order batters in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Although Will Young recently struck some impactful knocks, he will likely be ignored in the first-choice XI, with Kane Williamson returning to his preferred number three position. In 130 innings, he has amassed 6058 runs, including eleven tons, at an average of 51.78 at number three. 

Middle Order: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell

Talking about New Zealand's middle order, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham will play crucial roles at number four and five, respectively. They have been absolute champions in ODIs and their performance will more or less determine New Zealand's batting success in the tournament. While Mitchell brings dynamism to the table, Latham's spin-playing prowess will be an advantage for the BlackCaps on Asian pitches. 

On the other hand, all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell will be expected to ensure fitting finishes for the team. Apart from scoring brisk runs lower down the order, they can chip in with a few overs of off-spin. Although there's a toss-up between Mark Chapman and Bracewell, New Zealand should prefer the latter because of his all-round game.  

Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Lockie Ferguson

Captain Mitchell Santner will spearhead New Zealand's spin bowling attack alongside Phillips and Bracewell. On the other hand, Matt Henry will be the BlackCaps' lead pacer with Lockie Ferguson. Promising speedster Will O'Rourke should be the third seamer, as he can be their x-factor with his pace, seam movement and ability to hit the deck. 

New Zealand's Strongest Playing XI For Champions Trophy 2025

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Lockie Ferguson