Small margins may make all the difference in a high-stress competition like the ICC Champions Trophy, and fielding has always been a crucial component.
New Zealand’s exceptional fielding skills, with a catching efficiency of 91.1%, have set the standard in the 2025 edition. India has suffered in the meantime, even though they have the greatest fielders.
One of the main reasons New Zealand made it to the final was their excellent fielding. With Glenn Phillips at the top of his game, the squad has outperformed the opposition by demonstrating the capacity to turn half-chances into unforgettable moments. India has, however, missed a stumping and dropped seven catches.
The Kiwis, who have played four games and taken 31 catches while dropping only three, have undoubtedly been the tournament’s top fielding team. South Africa comes in second with an efficiency of 83.3%, 20 catches and four drops in three games. In their three games, Australia has a 76.1% catch efficiency, having made 16 catches and given up five.
India has dropped seven catches compared to Afghanistan’s four, however both the Men in Blue and Afghanistan have recorded a 75.0% efficiency, with the former taking 21 catches and Afghanistan 12 catches. England had a 73.3% effectiveness rate in three games, making 11 receptions and dropping four. In their two games, Bangladesh recorded an effectiveness of 66.6%, taking six catches and dropping three. With six receptions but four drops in just two games, host Pakistan has suffered the most, resulting in the lowest catch efficiency of 60.0%.
In every match, New Zealand’s skill on the pitch has been on display. Daryl Mitchell, Phillips, and Kane Williamson have made them one of the best fielding units. Phillips in particular has been amazing, twice making catches that defy gravity. When he leaped to his left to finish Mohammad Rizwan’s catch in the competition opener against Pakistan, it was his first moment. Later, the 28-year-old once again stunned everyone by dismissing star batsman Virat Kohli in the Black Caps’ match against India in the league stage final.
| 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 |
India
