The host nation of a major tournament for the first time in almost three decades and also the reigning champions, having thrashed India at the Oval to lift the trophy the last time it was held eight years ago.
This generation has, however, ended its tournament drought since, by winning the T20 World Cup last summer, and even without the injured Jasprit Bumrah look strong favourites to add another ICC trophy here.
Regular bridesmaids at World Cups across formats, the Champions Trophy gave New Zealand what remains their sole limited-overs triumph at a men’s ICC tournament 25 years ago.
Fresh on the back of a dominant series whitewash of England, the world’s No1-ranked ODI side are out to right the wrongs of their home World Cup 18 months ago, when they were flawless until coming unstuck against Australia in the final.
Beaten by New Zealand in a tri-series that also featured South Africa last week, but ODI form had been excellent over the previous few months, including series wins in South Africa and Australia.
