ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Tim Southee predicts New Zealand's triumph in the tournament

Former pacer Tim Southee has opened up on New Zealand’s chances in the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to commence on February 19. Southee is confident of the Mitchell Santner-led team winning the Champions Trophy following victory in the recently concluded tri-series in Pakistan.

Southee will not be part of the BlackCaps squad for the Champions Trophy—watching from the sidelines rather than playing. The right-arm pacer retired from international cricket at the end of 2024. Trent Boult is also missing the marquee tournament as New Zealand seeks to reclaim the title they last won in 2000.

Hopefully Lifting the Trophy at the End - Tim Southee

In a recent interview, Tim Southee highlighted New Zealand’s consistent performances in ICC tournaments, adding that the Black Caps will go all the way and lift the trophy.

“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,” Southee told the ICC.

New Zealand kicked off their Champions Trophy preparations in style with a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the tri-nation series final. The Blackcaps bowled out the Mohammad Rizwan-led side for 242 before comfortably chasing down the target in the 46th over with five wickets in hand.

Will O’Rourke Is Still So Young but Has All the Attributes - Tim Southee

Tim Southee backed young pacer Will O’Rourke to take on greater responsibility at this crucial stage.

“Will O’Rourke, in the Test game we’ve seen what he can do. He’s still so young but he’s got the all the attributes that are going to set him up to have a lot of success in international cricket. I’m looking forward to watching him in his first ICC event,” he said.

“Will is a man of few words but certainly listens and wants to get better. Nathan Smith has a real confidence about him, and believes in himself which I think you need at this level.

I’m Sure He’ll Be a Massive Asset to New Zealand - Tim Southee

The former New Zealand skipper highlighted O’Rourke’s impressive skills, pace, and bounce, and added that he is still developing. Southee is optimistic that O’Rourke will be a key asset for New Zealand across all formats.

“Will is still learning, and the Tri-Nation Series – being exposed to those conditions – will be great for him. We know he’s got the pace and bounce, he’s got great skills. He just keeps growing, we’ve seen that in the Test game and he’s continued to get better.

“His game is far from finished but I’m sure he’ll be a massive asset to New Zealand cricket across all three formats for a long time to come.”

New Zealand will open their Champions Trophy campaign against hosts Pakistan on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi. They will face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24 before concluding their group-stage matches against India in Dubai on March 2.

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