lucky time New Zealand At ICC Champions Trophy Preview: Prediction, Squad, Fixtures - NZ SWOT Analysis

New Zealand national cricket team. Photo: X | BLACKCAPS New Zealand national cricket team. Photo: X | BLACKCAPS

The former Champions New Zealand will be up against defending champions and co-host Pakistan in the opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesdaylucky time, 19 February 2025. (More Cricket News)

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The Mitchell Santner-led Kiwi side are coming after defeating Pakistan in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-series 2025 on Friday. They won all of their matches in the series to claim the trophy.

Santner was named New Zealand's new white-ball captain in December last year and he has done some impressive job at the helm. He has the support of experienced Kane Williamson, Matt Henry and Tom Latham.

This Kiwi side is undergoing a transition phase and a lot of injuries in recent times forced New Zealand cricket to add some inexperienced players in the squad for the eight-nation tournament.

New Zealand have brought in a like-for-like replacement in the pace department: Jacob Duffy, who will replace Ben Sears, ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan.

After the retirement of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, the seam bowling department has gained a few promising names. William O'Rourke has been impressive since his debut last year and was also the Player of the Match in the final against Pakistan in the recently concluded Tri-series.

Spinner all-rounder Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips are well known for their explosive batting styles. Devon Conway has also been in form since the last few innings.

Matt Henry will lead the bowling department along with O'Rourke and Duffy. Lockie Ferguson is recovering from an injury and as per the coach Gary Stead - 'he will be fine".

These two teams are meeting for the first time in the tournament in group stage.

Hannan Shahid was named the hero of the match for his spectacular double. Pakistan's five goals, which decisively thrashed China in Hulunbuir, have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, where they join India. This sets up the potential for an India vs. Pakistan final, though the two teams will first face off in their fifth match on Saturday.

Rachin Ravindra is also recovering from an injury which happened when he was trying to catch a ball in Lahore and was hit in the face. He has had some concussions but Stead is hopeful of his recovery before the opener against Pakistan.

The Black Caps will face Pakistan, Bangladesh and India in Group A. They will clash against Bangladesh on 24 February and India on 2 March. All matches will start at 2:30 pm IST.

New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway,ph143 Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 - New Zealand Full Schedule

Match 1: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi) - February 19, 02:30 PM IST

Match 6: Bangladesh vs New Zealand (Rawalpindi) - February 24, 02:30 PM IST

Match 12: New Zealand vs India (Dubai) - March 2, 02:30 PM IST

Live Streaming Details of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

All matches of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be telecast live on the Star Sports network in India and streamed live on the JioHostar App and website in India.lucky time