The New Zealand cricket team is all set to face the Indian cricket team in the finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 on March 9 and amidst preparing for the final, the Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner recognises the advantage that the Indian team holds in Dubai.
Aware that India has played all its matches in familiar conditions, he acknowledges that the pitch might favor the Indians. However, he remains optimistic about his team’s ability to adapt, emphasising their readiness for the contest.
Reflecting on the conditions, Mitchell Santner pointed out that Dubai’s surface might be slower compared to what they encountered in Lahore. He stressed that his team is prepared for a tough contest and is ready to battle through the challenges posed by the pitch.
New Zealand previously faced India in the group stage, where they suffered a 44-run defeat. Despite the setback, Mitchell Santner believes that the match provided valuable experience which could benefit his team in the final. He expressed confidence in their momentum, highlighting their steady performance leading up to the title clash.
The Black Caps have endured a demanding travel schedule throughout the tournament, moving between Pakistan and Dubai for their group games, semi-final and now the final. However, Mitchell Santner downplayed any concerns regarding fatigue, stating that frequent travel is a part of modern cricket. He assured that the team has adjusted well to the challenges and remains focused on delivering their best performance.
With India showcasing dominant form and New Zealand determined to put up a fierce fight, the stage is set for an intense showdown in Dubai. New Zealand booked their place in the final with a commanding win over South Africa, while India secured their spot with a hard-fought victory against Australia. Both the teams now stand on the brink of glory, ready to battle for the coveted Champions Trophy title.
