India defeated the ‘nice guys’ of cricket in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, once again raising the question, do nice guys ever win? Looking at New Zealand’s track record in recent years, they are the team that never finishes last but rarely wins. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
IND Vs NZ, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Kiwis Yet To Take Flight
Despite their heartbreaks, New Zealand have their share of triumphs. They won the inaugural World Test Championship (2021) and the ICC KnockOut Trophy (2000), the predecessor to the Champions Trophy
New Zealand, a country with a population of 52.2 lakh (as of 2023) and where rugby reigns supreme, had a slow start in cricket. After making their Test debut against England in 1929-30, it took them 40 years to secure their first Test series win, defeating Pakistan 1-0 in 1969-70.
Mitchell Santner's side fell short once again, failing to don the winner's white jacket after losing by four wickets to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
This has been their tale, consistent and competitive, but frequently on the wrong side of knockout battles, all while Kane Williamson maintains his constant smile.
Despite their heartbreaks, New Zealand have their share of triumphs. They won the inaugural World Test Championship (2021) and the ICC KnockOut Trophy (2000), the predecessor to the Champions Trophy.
They also reached the finals of the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, made four semi-finals and a final in their first eight T20 World Cup appearances, and remain the only team to whitewash India in India in a three-match Test series.
You’d think that consistently falling short despite coming so close to the trophy would leave them bitter. But no, they remain the nice guys of cricket, which brings us to the big question.
Why Is New Zealand’s Cricket Team Called The 'Nice Guys'?
New Zealanders are often seen as "nice guys" due to their friendly, laid-back nature and strong sense of community. This reflects in their cricket as well.
Australian legend Dean Jones once pointed out the difference in mindset—Australian kids are asked, “Did you win?” while in New Zealand, it's “Did you have fun?” This attitude defines the Black Caps, a team that remains humble despite being one of the most consistent in world cricket.
Across generations, players agree, it's tough to find anyone who dislikes the Kiwis. Look at the 2019 ODI World Cup final.
New Zealand and England tied twice, but England won thanks to a questionable boundary rule. While many teams might have thrown tantrums, the Black Caps took it all in stride.
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For them, cricket is about more than just winning, it's about playing the game with honor. They’re the embodiment of true sportsmanship, the gentlemen of cricket.
New Zealand Men's Cricket Team: Knockouts And Milestones
1956: First Test match win, Auckland
1962: First overseas Test match win, Cape Town
1969: First Test series win, in Pakistan
2000: ICC KnockOut win, Nairobi (Champions Trophy)
2009: Champions Trophy Runner-Up
2015: ODI World Cup Final Runner-Up
2019: ODI World Cup Final Runner-Up
2021: World Test Championship win, Southampton
2021: T20 World Final Runner-Up
2024: First team to whitewash India in a series of three or more Tests in India
2025: Champions Trophy Runner-Up
Multiple Semi-Final Appearances: Four T20 World Cups
The big question now is: How much longer will the Kiwis have to wait to finally claim an ICC trophy, or will their drought persist?
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