New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has signalled a warning for Team India ahead of the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, adding that putting Rohit Sharma’s side under pressure in the league-stage match in Dubai offered the Kiwis a confidence boost for the semi-final win in Lahore.
Despite going down by 44 runs in a 250-run chase last Sunday, New Zealand brought their A-game to the semi-final against South Africa, smashing a Champions Trophy record total of 362 for six after centuries from opener Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
While Santner’s men could not quite nail the win against India in Dubai, he shared the tight contest headlined by the spinners gave a shot in the arm nevertheless. “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 told reporters after New Zealand drubbed South Africa by 50 runs on Wednesday.
“It’s a cool feeling to make the final. We were challenged by a good side. We’ve had a go against India, look forward to do it again,” Santner said.
The skipper also lauded former captain Williamson who has stepped up under the knockout heat. While Williamson cracked his 15th ODI century and cross 19,000 international runs during the semis, he also steered the chase against India last week with a steely 81 off 120 deliveries.
“Williamson keeps doing it. That partnership (with Rachin) was massive. Might’ve been frustrated a touch at times, but they flipped the switch earlier and got us to 360. Looking back, 320 might not have been enough,” remarked Santner.
