New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner on Thursday stated a slower pitch in acquainted territory for India in Dubai will make for a decent contest within the Champions Trophy remaining.
The two groups conflict on Sunday to determine the winner of the eight-nation event held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Rohit Sharma’s India are enjoying all their video games on the Dubai International Stadium after they refused to tour hosts Pakistan due to political tensions.
They beat Australia within the first semi-final.
New Zealand defeated South Africa within the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday and now transfer again to Dubai the place they misplaced the final group match to India by 44 runs.
“I guess finals cricket is different, but for us what we have been doing to get us to this point has been good,” Santner stated on his arrival in Dubai.
“But obviously we have come against a good side, who have played all their games in Dubai and know that surface and we will be better for the run we had the other day against them,” he stated.
“Obviously the surface will dictate a little bit of how we want to operate. Will be slower than what we got in Lahore, might be more of a scrap.”
The event’s tangled schedule, with groups flying out and in of the UAE from Pakistan whereas India have stayed put, has been vastly controversial.
The pitches have been vastly completely different within the two international locations.
Pakistan tracks produced massive totals — the Black Caps posted a Champions Trophy file 362-6 earlier than proscribing South Africa to 312-9 within the semi-final in Lahore, in distinction to the sluggish and turning decks of the Dubai stadium.
But Santner stated the crew has taken the journey of their stride.
“It’s all part of the challenge,” stated Santner. “We have been to every place here obviously into Pakistan and Dubai. But I think the guys understand that it’s part of it these days.”
New Zealand gained a tri-series event in Pakistan with South Africa because the third crew and had a lot of their gamers in high kind entering into the 50-over event.
Left-hander Rachin Ravindra hit his second century of this event within the semi-final conflict and put on 164 runs with in-form Kane Williamson, who hit 102.
“Obviously that tri-series before — the tournament was handy in guys getting in form, especially into one of these tournaments which are quite short, three games and you’re into the semis,” stated Santner.
“We have had a bit of a roll on and hopefully it continues.”
The captain added: “We are here now and boys are pretty excited for the challenge ahead. One day off at training but the boys be fizzing and ready for the main event.”
Published – March 07, 2025 01:10 am IST
