New Zealand Captain Warns Team India Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025 Final, Says ‘We’re Looking To…’
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New Zealand crushed South Africa by 130 runs in the second semifinal on Wednesday to set up a Champions Trophy 2025 final clash against India.
Mitchell Santner celebrates after taking Rassie van der Dussen’s wicket. (Picture Credit: AP)
New Zealand men’s cricket team captain Mitchell Santner has fired a warning to Team India after securing a spot in the final of Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday (March 5). New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the ongoing ICC event in Lahore and will now face India for the title on Sunday (March 9) in Dubai. After New Zealand entered the Champions Trophy final for the fourth time in nine editions, Santner said that the Kiwis have won against the Indian team in the past, and his boys will look to repeat the same show in Dubai on Sunday once again.
“It’s a cool feeling to make the final. We were challenged by a good side. We’ve had a go against India, and we look forward to doing it again,” Santner said during the post-match presentation in Lahore on Wednesday.
According to Santner, who will share the dressing room with India captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians, even though his team went down by 44 runs in the Group A match against Men in Blue on March 4, they managed to put India under pressure, and that performance gave his team the confidence for their upcoming summit clash.
“Being there in Dubai and putting India under pressure gave us confidence. You take in what things work and what doesn’t. I think the bowlers bowled well to chip wickets at the top. I think winning the toss will be nice as well,” Santner said when asked about his team’s defeat in the Group A match.
The star spin bowling all-rounder was also asked about fast bowler Matt Henry’s fitness update after he suffered an injury while fielding against South Africa, and Santner said the team will have to wait and see “how his shoulder is.”
“It’s a bit sore; we have to wait for a couple of days and see.”
Henry is a key member of New Zealand’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. In four matches played so far, he has picked up 10 wickets, which includes figures of 5 for 42 in eight overs against India.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
- Location :
Lahore, Pakistan