In a high-stress competition like the ICC Champions Trophy, when tiny margins may make all the difference, fielding has always been crucial.
With a catching efficiency of 91.1% in the 2025 edition, New Zealand’s outstanding fielding skills have set the standard. Despite having the best fielders, India has had difficulty.
A key element in New Zealand’s run to the final has been their flawless fielding. The squad has outperformed the competition because Glenn Phillips, the greatest in the business, has demonstrated the ability to turn half-chances into unforgettable moments. However, India has missed a stumping and dropped seven catches.
With 31 catches in four games and only three dropped, the Kiwis have undoubtedly been the tournament’s top fielding team. With 20 catches and four drops in three games, South Africa comes in second with an efficiency of 83.3%. Australia has a 76.1% catch efficiency after three games, having made 16 catches and given up five.
Both Afghanistan and the Men in Blue have recorded an efficiency of 75.0%; Afghanistan has taken 12 catches while the former has taken 21; however, India has dropped seven catches while Afghanistan has dropped four. In three games, England made 11 receptions and dropped four, for a 73.3% effectiveness rate. Bangladesh recorded an efficiency of 66.6% in their two games, taking six catches and dropping three. With the lowest catch efficiency of 60.0%, host Pakistan has suffered the most, taking six catches but losing four in just two games.
Every game has showcased New Zealand’s skill on the field. They are among the most potent fielding units because to players like Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Kane Williamson. Particularly impressive has been Phillips, who twice made receptions that defied gravity. He made his debut after leaping to his left to finish Mohammad Rizwan’s catch during the competition opener against Pakistan. Later, in the final league stage match between the Black Caps and India, the 28-year-old once again stunned everyone by dismissing star batsman Virat Kohli.
Team | Matches | Catches | Drops | Catch Efficiency (%) |
New Zealand | 4 | 31 | 3 | 91.1 |
South Africa | 3 | 20 | 4 | 83.3 |
Australia | 3 | 16 | 5 | 76.1 |
India | 4 | 21 | 7 | 75 |
Afghanistan | 3 | 12 | 4 | 75 |
England | 3 | 11 | 4 | 73.3 |
Bangladesh | 2 | 6 | 3 | 66.6 |
Pakistan | 2 | 6 | 4 | 60 |