New Zealand bowler Nathan Smith celebrates with teammate Tom Latham during the 2nd One Day International against Sri Lanka at Seddon Park, Hamilton, January 2025. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Black Caps believe they've had an ideal preparation for the Champions Trophy and are confident they will be genuine title contenders.
New Zealand are in strong form having won the recent one-day Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa and then beating Afghanistan in their final warmup game.
The Champions Trophy starts Wednesday night with the Black Caps facing hosts Pakistan in Karachi.
Wicketkeeper/batter Tom Latham said they would be sticking to what's been working for them.
"Pleasing to win the Tri-Series, from a preparation point of view it has been fantastic," Latham said.
"Playing ODI's in these conditions, including a couple here in Karachi, I guess getting use to conditions has been a great step in the right direction."
Latham said they would be taking the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix' attitude into their first game.
"We try to keep things nice and simple and it is certainly no different here, preparation has gone really well over the last ten days."
Opening batter Devon Conway returned to form during the Tri-Series with Kane Williamson also in the runs.
While impressed with some of the individual performances so far on tour, Latham said there was no room for error at a major tournament.
"It is vitally important that guys are hitting form at the right time and this tournament is short and sharp so you have to be playing your best cricket from game one."
With the four games that they have played in last fortnight and the success they have had, the New Zealanders are quite rightly bullish about their chances.
"Yes so all bases have been covered," said Latham.
New Zealand player Devon Conway Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Caps squad:
Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young. Jacob Duffy (replaces the injured Ben Sears).
ICC Champions Trophy fixtures:
Wednesday 19 February, 10pm NZT - Black Caps v Pakistan - National Stadium Karachi
Monday 24 February, 10pm NZT - Bangladesh v Black Caps - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Sunday 2 March, 10pm NZT - Black Caps v India - Dubai International Stadium
Tuesday 4 March, 10pm NZT - 1st Semi-Final - Dubai International Stadium
Wednesday 5 March, 10pm NZT - 2nd Semi-Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Sunday 9 March, 10pm NZT - Final - TBC
