Champions Trophy 2025: SWOT Analysis of New Zealand – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

After winning the recently concluded ODI tri-nation series, with a win in the final against Pakistan in Pakistan, the confident and in-form New Zealand are set to be in action in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Kiwis will start their campaign in the tournament with the tournament opener against the hosts and defending champions Pakistan on February 19, at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The new-look Kiwi team will play under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner in the upcoming ninth edition of the Champions Trophy. After a long time, the team will play in any ICC tournament, not having their two veterans, Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

Speaking of the performances of the Blackcaps in their last five ODI performances, they have been in brilliant form, winning four while losing one, including three consecutive wins in the ODI tri-nation series against Pakistan and New Zealand.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: SWOT Analysis of South Africa – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Here is New Zealand’s SWOT analysis for the Champions Trophy 2025

Strengths: Consistent brilliance in the ICC tournaments

New Zealand have been one of the most consistent teams in the major ICC tournaments for the last couple of years. They have made it to the semi-finals of the ODI World Cups for the last couple of years. Besides that, they also clinched the title in the inaugural World Test Championship Final in 2021 following their appearance in the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

So, the consistently brilliant performance of New Zealand in the marquee international tournaments is one of their prime strengths. The Kiwis have been one of the ‘groups of players’ who peak at the right time in the major ICC tournaments.

Weakness: Missing the experiences of Trent Boult and Tim Southee

In the absence of the two veteran bowling pillars, Trent Boult and Tim Southee, New Zealand will go ahead with a mix of some young and very few experienced bowlers in their squad. Besides Matt Henry, most of the pacers don’t have experience of the highest level of the game, especially in the ICC tournaments. 

Apart from this, the news of star pacer Lockie Ferguson getting ruled out of the tournament due to an injury also came up as a big blow for New Zealand. So, it might be proven as a weakness for the Blackcaps in the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy.

Opportunities: A chance for young players to establish

The young players, including the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears will have a great chance to prove themselves as a vital asset for New Zealand. It will be an opportunity for them to get themselves established as a long-term future in the New Zealand cricket team at the highest level of the game.

Threats: Struggle with the new ball

Having most of the young pacers in the attack will produce a threat of utilizing the new ball phase for New Zealand. They might struggle while bowling with the new ball in the powerplay overs, especially at the pitches in Pakistan as the Kiwi team will play all of their games in Pakistan only.

So, it is expected to come as a threat for New Zealand who will they pick for the new ball duties, alongside the only experienced pacer in the squad Matt Henry.