Champions Trophy: New Zealand's strongest starting playing XI

Champions Trophy is set to return on February 19 after an exile of eight years with Pakistan hosting the tournament this time albeit in a hybrid model. New Zealand are one of the participating teams in the showpiece event and they are slotted in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The BlackCaps have also announced a strong squad for the tournament and here we look at their strongest playing XI:

Devon Conway and Will Young are expected to be the openers of the New Zealand cricket team. The duo has done well together at the top of the order providing the Kiwis with decent starts time and again. Veteran Kane Williamson will be key for the BlackCaps and will bat at number three. He is one of the best batters across all formats and is expected to come good in the Champions Trophy as well.

Rachin Ravindra has been the youngest sensation of New Zealand cricket and he will bat at number four for them. Ravindra is very good against spin as well and can play according to the situation in the middle overs. If needed, the youngster can also bowl a few overs of left-arm spin.

Daryl Mitchell will come in to bat next who possesses the ability to take the bowling of the opposition down. He can bowl if needed which gives around seven bowling options for the Kiwis. Glenn Phillips is the finisher in this team and can tonk the ball right from the word go. He has played 36 ODIs so far and has enough experience to play the role of a finisher.

Captain Mitchell Santner is likely to bat at eight as Michael Bracewell is expected to play the role of a bowling all-rounder. Both of them will look after the spin department as well. The fast bowling unit of New Zealand will consist of Nathan Smith, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry. Henry and Smith will take the new ball even as there is a possibility of Will O’Rourke featuring in place of Smith.

New Zealand’s strongest playing XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry.

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