'They Were Brilliant': Ricky Ponting Lauds Mitchell Santner-Led New Zealand's Campaign At CT 2025

Champions Trophy 2025: Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting showered praise on New Zealand's campaign at the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025 and said that the Kiwis were 'brilliant' in the tournament. The Black Caps suffered a four-wicket defeat against India in the final match of the CT 2025 and lost their chance to get their hands on the silverware.

New Zealand displayed a stunning performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, losing just one game in the tournament. The Kiwis started their campaign against Pakistan, where they clinched a 60-over win in Karachi.

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Following the first win of the 15-match tournament, the Kiwis defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi. New Zealand were full of confidence after winning their first two games, then they locked horns against Rohit Sharma's India. The Kiwis dominated over the Men in Blue in their final group stage clash but, in the end, conceded a 44-run defeat. However, the loss did not affect New Zealand from confirming their spot in the knockouts. In the semi-final, New Zealand faced South Africa on March 5 and clinched a 50-run triumph over the Proteas.

New Zealand had another outstanding tournament: Ponting

While speaking to ICC, Ponting said that the Kiwis had an 'outstanding' campaign at the Champions Trophy 2025. The former cricketer added that it's just a matter of time for the Kiwis to win an ICC title.

“I don't think it (New Zealand’s campaign) went wrong at all. I think they had another outstanding tournament. They were brilliant right the way through... And what a dominant performance it was against South Africa in their semi-final to make it through to the final. You probably can't play a better game of one-day cricket than that. To bat first and make 360-odd, I think it's the highest total ever in a Champions Trophy game. And if they keep putting themselves there, it's only a matter of time before they will (win an ICC tournament),” Ponting was quoted by ICC as saying.

The Black Caps Last Won An ICC Trophy In 2000

New Zealand last won their ICC trophy in 2000 when they clinched the Champions Trophy after beating India by four wickets. Following that, they have failed to win a single ICC title.

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In 2025 CT Final, Daryl Mitchell's (63) and Michael Bracewell's (53*) masterclass in the first inning helped New Zealand climb to 251/7. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav led the Men in Blue bowling attack in the final game.

During the run chase, the Men in Blue displayed a stunning team performance to win the game. Rohit Sharma (76) and Shreyas Iyer (48) showcased a stupendous knock in Dubai and helped India clinch a four-wicket triumph.