"We Put India Under Pressure Before, We Can Do It Again!" – Santner Eyes Redemption in Champions Trophy Final
Lahore, March 6 – New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is drawing confidence from their group-stage battle against India as the Blackcaps prepare for the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday.
On Wednesday night, New Zealand secured a dominant 50-run victory over South Africa in Lahore, sealing their place in the final. Speaking after the match, Santner emphasized the positives his side took from their previous encounter against India, despite falling short by 44 runs in the group stage.
“We were challenged by a good side today, and now we look forward to Dubai. We’ve already had a go there against India, so we’re expecting similar conditions,” Santner said in the post-match presentation.
New Zealand started strong in their last meeting with India, but succumbed to India’s spin attack in Dubai. However, Santner believes the experience from that match will help the Kiwis in the final.
“Being there and putting them under pressure at times last game was good for us. We kind of had a look at them, they had a look at us, and now we know what works and what doesn’t,” he added.
“Our fast bowlers chipped out three wickets early. Winning the toss might be nice as well,” Santner said, hinting at the importance of getting early breakthroughs against India’s strong top order.
Since winning the Champions Trophy against India in 2000, New Zealand has come agonizingly close to another ICC ODI title but has always fallen short in finals.
Now, 25 years later, they have another chance at ending their ICC ODI trophy drought—and once again, India stands in their way.
New Zealand’s charge into the final was powered by Kane Williamson (102) and Rachin Ravindra (108), who built a 164-run stand to set up a massive total of 362/6—the highest in Champions Trophy history.
“He (Williamson) keeps doing it. That partnership was massive for us; he kept going in the middle phase. South Africa challenged us, but we cashed in and got 360. We felt 320 might not be enough,” Santner said.
In the bowling department, Santner himself delivered a match-winning spell of 3/43, dismissing Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen. Glenn Phillips (2/27) and Rachin Ravindra (1/20) provided crucial support, as New Zealand restricted South Africa to 312/9.
New Zealand suffered an injury blow in the semi-final, as pace spearhead Matt Henry injured his shoulder while attempting a catch. Though he returned later to remove Kagiso Rabada, Santner provided a cautious update.
“We have to wait and see how Matt Henry’s shoulder is. It’s a bit sore. We’ll assess it over the next couple of days,” he said.
With the final looming, Henry’s fitness could be a crucial factor in New Zealand’s bowling attack against India’s formidable batting lineup.
As New Zealand prepares for the final against India, Santner’s men will be looking to take inspiration from their past encounters and turn the tide in a high-stakes rematch.
Can New Zealand claim their first ICC ODI title in 25 years, or will India extend their dominance in ICC events? Dubai is set for an epic showdown on Sunday!
Tags: New Zealand vs India, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Champions Trophy Final, NZ vs IND, Cricket Records, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry Injury, Cricket News
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