Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee believes that winning the tri-nation series in Pakistan will boost the team’s confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Southee sees a strong balance of experience and youth in the current New Zealand squad. He feels that their recent success in Pakistan will give them the self-belief needed to finally break their ICC tournament drought.
Last Friday, New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the final in Karachi, securing the tri-series title unbeaten. Under Mitchell Santner’s leadership, they registered wins over South Africa once and Pakistan twice.
Southee, who retired from international cricket last year, was particularly impressed with how both seasoned players like Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, as well as young talents like Will O’Rourke, stepped up. Speaking to the ICC, he expressed optimism about New Zealand’s chances in the Champions Trophy.
“The way the team has played, different players stepping up when needed, shows a great mix of experience and young talent. The tri-series experience will serve them well in the Champions Trophy. Carrying some momentum into the tournament and adapting to the conditions… good things are on the horizon.”
New Zealand last won the Champions Trophy (then called the ICC KnockOut Trophy) in 2000, defeating India in the final in Nairobi. Southee hopes history will repeat itself.
“If you look at New Zealand’s record in ICC events, they’re always in or around the finals. In a tournament like the Champions Trophy, anything can happen. I’d love to see the Blackcaps go all the way and lift the trophy at the end.”
New Zealand will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on Wednesday with a match against Pakistan in Karachi.
