Australia great Ricky Ponting lauds New Zealand's performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the Blackcaps ended their campaign as runners up after losing the final against India at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
New Zealand were the dominating side in the mega event as they defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh in a one sided contest in their first two group stage matches to seal their berth for the semifinal.
Speaking to Crystal Arnold on the latest edition of The ICC Review after the final, Ponting said, “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.
“I was asked at the start of the tournament who I thought the final four would be, and as soon as you start talking about top fours for ICC events, you just have to put New Zealand in it, because they just always do it.
“And I didn't do it this time because I thought Pakistan would make it being at home, and I thought South Africa would make it. So I didn't have New Zealand there and sure enough there they are again.
After finishing their group stage matches, New Zealand defeated South Africa in the semifinal to seal their berth for the final of the mega event. Ponting labelled it as the best performance in one-day internationals.
“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.”
Before featuring in the final, New Zealand's star performer Matt Henry got injured and missed the title clash. Despite missing the final, he was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
“They just came up against a really good team in the final, and they weren't far away. India won in the 49th or 50th over. They haven't done a lot wrong," Ponting continued.
“And that's without some of their stars actually performing in that final. And that's without Matt Henry being fit in that final as well, who was their leading wicket-taker going into it. So they've had a great campaign.
“And if they keep putting themselves there, it's only a matter of time before they will (win an ICC tournament).”
Rohit Sharma-led India were the only team who defeated New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue defeated Blackcaps two times. One was during the third group stage match and the second was one in the final.