Southee confident of New Zealand’s Champions Trophy chances

The recently retired Black Caps legend Tim Southee has backed Mitchell Santner and Co. to shine at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Tim Southee Reflects on ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and New Zealand’s Chances

As the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Tim Southee will not be taking part on the field. After retiring from international cricket at the close of 2024, the veteran pacer will now be watching from the sidelines. Despite stepping away, Southee remains closely connected to the game and has shown great interest in his team’s recent performances, expressing confidence in his former teammates’ ability to shine in the upcoming tournament.

Southeast Reflects on New Zealand’s Recent Success:

• Tri-Nation Series Victory in Pakistan: New Zealand’s recent win in the Tri-Nation Series has bolstered South Korea’s optimism. The victory showcased a solid blend of experience and fresh talent, paving the way for a confident approach towards the Champions Trophy.
  • Southee’s Thoughts on the Team’s Performance: “The way the team has played, different players have stepped up. It’s a great balance between experienced players and young talent with a lot of potential. The Tri-Nation Series experience will certainly stand them in good stead for the tournament.”
• Momentum Heading Into the Tournament: Southee believes that the momentum from the Tri-Nation Series and the team’s familiarity with the conditions will give New Zealand a significant advantage as they head into the Champions Trophy.

Challenges for New Zealand’s Pace Attack:

• Absence of Key Pacers: The absence of key pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the squad means that New Zealand’s pace attack will feature players with less experience. Despite this, Southee remains excited about the future of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
  • Backing Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith: “It’s different not having Trent and myself at an ICC event, but it’s exciting to see the younger bowlers step up. I’m excited to see how they perform, especially Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith.”
  • Will O’Rourke’s Potential: Southee praised O’Rourke’s attributes, acknowledging his potential despite his youth, and expressed anticipation for his first ICC event.
  • Nathan Smith’s Confidence: Southee also highlighted Smith’s self-belief and confidence, qualities essential at the international level.

Key Players for New Zealand’s Success:

• Kane Williamson: Southee emphasized the importance of Kane Williamson‘s form for New Zealand’s chances. Having made significant contributions recently, Williamson’s experience and control at the crease are crucial for the team’s success.
  • “Kane is in great form. Seeing him contribute with important scores is exactly what we’ve come to expect from him. As a fan of the Black Caps, it’s always exciting to watch him in action.”
• Mitchell Santner’s Leadership: Southee also lauded Mitchell Santner, the current New Zealand captain, for his leadership qualities. Despite being relatively new to the role, Santner has earned Southee’s respect for his calm approach and all-round skills.
  • “Mitch has done a great job as captain. He’s calm and thinks well about the game. He leads with his performances across all three areas—batting, bowling, and fielding.”

Optimism for New Zealand’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign:

• New Zealand’s Track Record in ICC Events: Looking ahead, Southee is confident in New Zealand’s ability to perform in ICC events, as the team has always been a strong contender. He highlighted that with momentum and a bit of luck, New Zealand could replicate their success from 2000 and lift the Champions Trophy.
  • “If New Zealand gets on a roll in a tournament like the Champions Trophy, anything can happen. I would love to see the Black Caps lifting the trophy at the end.”

Final Thoughts:

Southee’s reflections reveal a deep sense of pride in his former team and his belief in their potential to go all the way in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. With a mix of experienced leaders like Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner and exciting young talents like Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith, New Zealand will be a team to watch in the upcoming competition.