New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Sunday has announced a 15-member squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE. New Zealand will also play a tr-series in Pakistan with South Africa being the third team.
New Zealand are placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, with only two sides to progress for the semifinals. They will start their campaign against hosts Pakistan in Karachi on February 19.
Mitchell Santner, who will lead New Zealand at a major event for the first time, after being named full-time white ball captain last month.
New Zealand won the tournament in 2000, when they defeated Sourav Ganguly-led India by four wickets in a thrilling final in Nairobi, Kenya.
Matt Henry will spearhead the pace bowling attack which is further bolstered by the experienced Lockie Ferguson. The pace trio Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith are set to embark on their maiden senior ICC event.
Sears, who was a travelling reserve for last year’s ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, is selected after making his return to cricket in the Wellington Firebirds’ Super Smash defeat to the Central Stags on Thursday.
The 26-year-old was ruled out of November’s Test series in India and subsequently missed the first half of the New Zealand home international summer due to a knee injury.
“I’d especially like to acknowledge Ben, Nathan and Will who will be attending their first senior ICC events and I know they’re really excited to do so,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.
Jacob Duffy has been named as the squad’s stand-by player, to be included should Lockie Ferguson become unavailable because of ILT20 play-off commitments.
Captain Santner is selected as the frontline spin option, alongside all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra.
Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Will Young are selected as the top-order batting options, while Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Philiips and Mark Chapman add depth and power to the batting department, and will be supported by senior heads Kane Williamson, and Tom Latham who will take the wicketkeeping gloves for the tournament.
Gary Stead said the squad was a talented one with good depth.
“We’re currently blessed with a lot of quality players and that certainly made for some challenging selection discussions.
“Ultimately, we’ve gone with the squad that will offer us the best options to perform well in the expected conditions in Pakistan and the UAE.
“We’re lucky to have a large chunk of the group with significant international and tournament experience to draw upon.
“The tournament format is a unique one in that you have to hit the ground running which means our preparation in the pre-leading Tri Series is really important.
Stead will lead a support staff group featuring batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram, while Rangana Herath returns to provide specialist spin support having supported the team during last year’s Test tours of Sri Lanka and India.
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
February 8: Pakistan vs New Zealand – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 10: New Zealand vs South Africa – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 14: Tri-Series Final – National Stadium, Karachi
February 16: New Zealand v Afghanistan – National Stadium, Karachi
February 19: New Zealand v Pakistan – National Stadium Karachi
February 24: Bangladesh v New Zealand – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
March 2: New Zealand v India – Dubai International Stadium
March 4: 1st Semi-Final – Dubai International Stadium
March 5: 2nd Semi-Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 9: Final – TBC
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