Proteas were the champions of the first version of Champions Trophy held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Black caps are now a formidable team capable of testing the best of the best in any format. Placed in the group with Australia, England and Afghanistan South Africa has more than even chance for moving into the knockout stage. On the other hand, New Zealand, a perfect blend of experienced professionals and budding young talent may prove not mere push overs in the group of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In our opinion Proteas and Black Caps are dark horses of the Champions Trophy 2025. With a little bit of luck going their way, these two teams may feature deep into the semi finals or even the final.

Squads: 

New Zealand: 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. Reserve: Jacob Duffy

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wilaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen

New Zealand squad has players having extensive experience of playing in subcontinent conditions. Some of them feature regularly in white ball franchises like IPL and big bash. True gone are the days of Trent Boult and Tim Southee both retired. But Fast Bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears recalled in the team are no less impactful. Sears, Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith will make their debut in the ICC event. Black caps pace attack will be spearheaded by Matt Henry and Ferguson, who represented them in two T20 and ICC World Cups. Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson have a world of experience. Williamson played Champions trophy in 2013 and 2017 as well. 

Santner will lead New Zealand to a major tournament for the first time. He offers a spin bowling option along with Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. Pace bowler Jacob Duffy has been named as the squad's stand-by player, to be included should Lockie Ferguson become unavailable because of ILT20 playoff commitments.

Devon Conway, Rachine Ravindra , Daryl Mitchel, Glen Philips , Mark Chapman are all quality batsmen against both pace and spin .If they bat consistently well black caps may prove hard nut to crack. New Zealand won the tournament back in 2000 when it was known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy. The Black Caps will prepare for this year's edition with a tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi and Lahore and a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi.
South Africans are no longer chokers.  

The squad  maintained  the core group of our 2023 World Cup squad, while adding fresh talent. The recent performance of South African team evidenced that they are more than capable of reaching the business session of global tournaments. Protas won the first ever Champions trophy organized in Bangladesh. They have picked an experienced squad with 10 players having competed at the last ODI World Cup in India in 2023. Temba Bavuma captains the side while seamer Lungi Ngidi, who missed the recent home series against Pakistan because of a groin injury, has also been named.

Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton are expected to bat well in Pakistan and if required in Dubai.  The team has a strong pace attack in Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi are quality spinners. If only batsmen perform consistently Proteas may go all the way.

New Zealand and South Africa may not be as fancied as India, Australia, England or Pakistan. But they are no less competent for turning the table upon the tournament favorites. 

BDST: 1219 HRS, JAN 24, 2025
MN