The BLACKCAPS will need to beat number one seeds Australia or hosts England, as well as Bangladesh, if they're to progress through to the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
The tournament schedule was announced at The Oval on June 1st, exactly a year before the first ball is to be bowled in the two and a half week tournament.
Kane Williamson's fourth seeded side will open their campaign against old rivals Australia in Birmingham, before relocating to Cardiff to face England and Bangladesh.
"There are no easy games in the ICC Champions Trophy and that's what it makes it so exciting to be part of. The quick-fire nature of the tournament means you don't get second chances, so it's important to bring your best cricket from game one," he said.
With the reinstatement of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, the BLACKCAPS are set to meet Australia six times in the six months leading up to the tournament.
“There’s always a little extra buzz around the group when we play Australia, so for us to be facing them in the opener will certainly be something both teams are looking forward to immensely," Williamson said.
It will be Captain Kane's first ICC ODI event at the helm of the BLACKCAPS and he said it would give his side a good gauge of their progress.
"These tournaments are where you get to face the best teams in the world and find out and where you stand. We'll concentrate on preparing well, being clear with our plans and competing as hard as we can in every contest."
The BLACKCAPS have had limited success in the tournament since winning the second instalment in 2000, but with a current ranking of number two in the world, they should be a serious contender come next June.
