Former pacer Tim Southee has opened up on New Zealand’s probabilities within the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy, which is about to begin on February 19. Southee is assured of the Mitchell Santner-led staff successful the Champions Trophy following victory within the just lately concluded tri-series in Pakistan.
Southee won’t be a part of the BlackCaps squad for the Champions Trophy—watching from the sidelines somewhat than enjoying. The precise-arm pacer retired from worldwide cricket on the finish of 2024. Trent Boult can also be lacking the marquee match as New Zealand seeks to reclaim the title they final received in 2000.
Hopefully Lifting the Trophy on the Finish – Tim Southee
In a current interview, Tim Southee highlighted New Zealand’s constant performances in ICC tournaments, including that the Black Caps will go all the way in which and raise the trophy.
“When you have a look at the observe report of New Zealand in ICC occasions, they’re at all times there or thereabouts. In a match just like the Champions Trophy, in case you get on a little bit of a roll, something can occur. I’d like to see the Blackcaps there and hopefully lifting the trophy on the finish,” Southee informed the ICC.
New Zealand kicked off their Champions Trophy preparations in model with a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan within the tri-nation collection closing. The Blackcaps bowled out the Mohammad Rizwan-led facet for 242 earlier than comfortably chasing down the goal within the forty sixth over with 5 wickets in hand.
Will O’Rourke Is Nonetheless So Younger however Has All of the Attributes – Tim Southee
Tim Southee backed younger pacer Will O’Rourke to tackle higher accountability at this significant stage.
“Will O’Rourke, within the Take a look at sport we’ve seen what he can do. He’s nonetheless so younger however he’s obtained the all of the attributes which are going to set him as much as have a variety of success in worldwide cricket. I’m wanting ahead to watching him in his first ICC occasion,” he stated.
“Will is a person of few phrases however actually listens and desires to get higher. Nathan Smith has an actual confidence about him, and believes in himself which I believe you want at this degree.
I’m Certain He’ll Be a Large Asset to New Zealand – Tim Southee
The previous New Zealand skipper highlighted O’Rourke’s spectacular abilities, tempo, and bounce, and added that he’s nonetheless creating. Southee is optimistic that O’Rourke might be a key asset for New Zealand throughout all codecs.
“Will remains to be studying, and the Tri-Nation Collection – being uncovered to these situations – might be nice for him. We all know he’s obtained the tempo and bounce, he’s obtained nice abilities. He simply retains rising, we’ve seen that within the Take a look at sport and he’s continued to get higher.
“His sport is way from completed however I’m certain he’ll be a large asset to New Zealand cricket throughout all three codecs for a very long time to come back.”
New Zealand will open their Champions Trophy marketing campaign towards hosts Pakistan on February 19 on the Nationwide Stadium in Karachi. They’ll face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24 earlier than concluding their group-stage matches towards India in Dubai on March 2.
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