Champions Trophy: 3 Game changers in New Zealand squad

New Zealand is known for their consistency in ICC tournaments, and ahead of the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on their performance once again.

They head into the event with strong momentum after winning the recent ODI tri-series in Pakistan. With this confidence, the Kiwis will aim for another solid campaign. They are placed in the ‘group a’ alongside India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Here are the 3 Game changers in the New Zealand squad for the Champions Trophy 

1. Kane Williamson

The veteran Kiwi batter was the second-highest run-scorer in the recent tri-series. He amassed 225 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 112.50 and a strike rate of 89.64, including one fifty and one century. His ability to play the ball late and handle spinners in the middle overs makes him a key player in the playing XI.

2. Glenn Phillips

This star all-rounder can win games single-handedly for the Kiwis with his all-round contributions. Glenn Phillips is known for his top fitness, athleticism in the field, and ability to make an impact with both bat and ball.

In the recent tri-series, he remained unbeaten in all three matches, scoring a century in the first game. He also added crucial knocks of 28* and 20* in the next two games while taking one wicket in three innings.

Notably, Phillips has a strong ODI record in Pakistan, scoring 257 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 113.71.

3. Will O’Rourke

This speedster has already proven his worth to the New Zealand side with his recent performances. In the recent tri-series, O’Rourke was the highest wicket-taker, claiming six wickets in three innings at an economy of 6.31.

So far in 2025, he has picked up nine wickets in six ODI innings at an economy of 5.76. This shows that he is not only a genuine wicket-taker but also difficult for batters to score against. It will be interesting to see how skipper Mitchell Santner utilises him in different phases of the game to maintain pressure on opponents throughout the tournament.

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