‘They understand the conditions well…’: Mitchell Santner speaks ahead of ‘challenging’ final against India

Santner speaks ahead of the important final against India

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner said India’s understanding of the conditions has made the Champions Trophy final a “challenging” assignment, but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt.

The Kiwis are eyeing their first ICC ODI title on Sunday, following their victory in the 2000 KnockOuts Trophy, where they defeated India in the final in Kenya.

“We know India are going to be a challenge. They’ve been playing some very good cricket. They understand these conditions pretty well,” Santner said in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

Santner hoped the experience of playing against India a few days back here in a league match will stand his side in good stead.

“I think, obviously, having the run against India a few days ago will definitely help us out, understanding the conditions a little bit better. But it is a knockout game. And I guess whoever turns up on the day could take home the trophy,” Santner said.

The final is expected to be played on the same surface as the one that was used in India’s group match against Pakistan. Santner said the team will have to be ready to adapt irrespective of the nature of the pitch.

“We came up against a good side and on a spinning wicket, especially in the second inning (of the last match). We know India are probably going to go in with the same team. But we know it might be a different surface. So, I think we have to be ready and be adaptable for what’s coming,” Santner said.