New Zealand's former fast bowler Tim Southee expressed confidence in his former teammates, backing them to shine in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins from February 19.

New Zealand recently have won the ODI Tri-series, hosted by Pakistan. New Zealand remained unbeaten throughout the series and ultimately won it to tick the boxes off just ahead of the showpiece event.

"The way the team have played, different guys have stepped up," Southee added in an exclusive chat with the ICC. "It’s a good mix between some experienced guys and some exciting young guys with a lot of potential. The experience of this Tri-Nation Series is only going to stand them in good stead for the tournament.

"So, taking some momentum into the tournament and being accustomed to those conditions, it’s only going to be a good thing."

The former pacer backed young fast bowlers Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith, to take the onus on their shoulders at the big stage.

“It’s something different not having Trent and myself at an ICC event but at the same time, it’s exciting. These events are great to be a part of and it’s in front of these guys now, I’m very excited to see how they go.

“Will O’Rourke, in the Test game we’ve seen what he can do. He’s still so young but he’s got all the attributes that are going to set him up to have a lot of success in international cricket. I’m looking forward to watching him in his first ICC event. Nathan Smith has a real confidence about him, and believes in himself which I think you need at this level.”

"If you look at the track record of New Zealand in ICC events, they are always there or thereabouts. In a tournament like the Champions Trophy, if you get on a bit of a roll, anything can happen. I’d love to see the Blackcaps there and hopefully lifting the trophy at the end.”

New Zealand have been drawn into Group A along with the host nation Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The Blackcaps begin their journey from February 19 playing against Pakistan in the tournament opener in Karachi.