New Zealand will play India in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
The Black Caps will be aiming to win their first men’s white-ball World Cup, having won the ICC KnockOut in 2000.
Santner’s Aims for the Final
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge of facing India in front of a huge home crowd. A crowd of around 100,000 is expected at the Narendra Modi stadium, plus more than a billion watching at home, with almost all supporting the tournament co-hosts and defending champions.
“I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts and lifting a trophy for once,” Santner said at his press conference.
Santner said his side are consistent in these tournaments because they try not to get overawed by the situation or opponents.
He admitted that New Zealand will not be favourites.
Drawing Inspiration from Australia
Santner’s men do not have to look far for inspiration.
The venue for this final is the same as the showpiece of the 2023 50-over World Cup, when Australia stunned previously unbeaten India to take the title.
Under the weight of expectation, India were tentative with the bat and dismissed for 240 before Travis Head’s century powered Australia to a rapid victory.
“There’s obviously a lot of pressure on India to win this World Cup at home,” Santner said.
“We can go out there and try and put that added pressure on them and see what happens.”
India’s Perspective
India captain Suryakumar Yadav said he did not feel the need to discuss the 2023 defeat with the team.
“We have been preparing for this stage really well,” he said. “It started two years back and the circle has come to the same stadium in that we left in 2023.
“Hopefully we play some good cricket, be courageous in tough situations. That is the simple message to the team.”
New Zealand’s Challenge Against India’s Batting
New Zealand are well aware of the strength of India’s batting order.
They lost 4-1 in a T20 series before this World Cup, with their hosts scoring more than 200 in three of the five matches. India chased 154 in 10 overs in one of the others.
The semi-final against England on Thursday showed the importance of taking wickets if you are to have any hope of limiting India.
- New Zealand have lost their last three World Cup finals.
- They lost to India at the Champions Trophy a year ago.
- New Zealand lost 4-1 in a T20 series before this World Cup.
Sunday’s T20 World Cup final against India in Ahmedabad will be the Black Caps’ fifth white-ball final in the past 11 years.