Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has backed the Mitchell Santner-led side to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on 19 February in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
In an exclusive chat with the ICC, the veteran pacer expressed confidence in New Zealand’s ability to perform in the upcoming mega event.
He backed the team to do well in the tournament after New Zealand’s unbeaten run in the recently concluded tri-nation series.
“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,” said the veteran bowler.
“The experience of this Tri-Nation Series is only going to stand them in good stead for the tournament,” Southee stated.
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He further highlighted the role of winning the tri-nation series and New Zealand’s ability to adapt to conditions in Pakistan, as important for building the team’s momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“So, taking some momentum into the tournament and being accustomed to those conditions, it’s only going to be a good thing,” said the former pacer.
Tim Southee also acknowledged Trent Bolt’s absence from the side in the Champions Trophy, however, he showed confidence in young pacers Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith off leading the bowling attack in the 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,” he stated.
The highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in international cricket further praised the Kiwi run machine Kane Williamson’s performance in the tri-series.
“Kane is in good form, it’s nice to see him with a couple of scores, he’s class. He’s not played a lot of one-day cricket for the last few years but to see him come back and have two significant contributions is what we’re used to seeing,” the former New Zealand pacer said.
Tim Southee believed in his former teammates, backing them to title glory and replicating their success from 2000.
“If you look at the track record of New Zealand in ICC events, they are always there or thereabouts. In a tournament like the Champions Trophy, if you get on a bit of a roll, anything can happen. I’d love to see the Blackcaps there and hopefully lifting the trophy at the end,” he concluded.
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