'The way the team have played...' - Former bowling great opens up on New Zealand's Champions Trophy 2025 hopes

After winning the ODI tri-nation series in Pakistan, Mitchell Santner-led new-look New Zealand will be in action at the same venues in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team will start their campaign with the tournament opener against the hosts and the defending champions Pakistan whom they defeated in the ODI tri-nation series Final. 

Meanwhile, the former New Zealand bowling great Tim Southee shared his opinions on New Zealand’s chances of winning the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The former pacer was recently in an exclusive conversation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he spoke about the combination of the Kiwi team for the prestigious cricket quadrennial.

It’s a good mix between some experienced guys and young ones - Tim Southee

Southee feels that some of the guys have shown good intent in the last couple of matches while playing for the Blackcaps. He also praised the performances of the team in the last few ODI appearances.

“The way the team have played, different guys have stepped up, It’s a good mix between some experienced guys and some exciting young guys with a lot of potential. The experience of this Tri-Nation Series is only going to stand them in good stead for the tournament,” said Southee to ICC.

“So, taking some momentum into the tournament and being accustomed to those conditions, it’s only going to be a good thing,” he added later.

Furthermore, the 36-year-old also spoke about the absence of himself and the veteran pacer Trent Boult in the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 squad. He also backed the young bowler William O’Rourke to perform brilliantly in the marquee international tournament.

“It’s something different not having Trent and myself at an ICC event but at the same time, it’s exciting. These events are great to be a part of and it’s in front of these guys now, I’m very excited to see how they go,” Southee said.

“Will O’Rourke, in the Test game we’ve seen what he can do. He’s still so young but he’s got all the attributes that are going to set him up to have a lot of success in international cricket. I’m looking forward to watching him in his first ICC event. Nathan Smith has a real confidence about him, and believes in himself which I think you need at this level,” he emphasized.