New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has acknowledged that India have an advantage going into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, with their familiarity with the Dubai conditions potentially giving them an edge.
India, who have played all their matches in Dubai, are well-versed with the surface, which Santner believes may play a crucial role in determining how the final unfolds.
New Zealand captain noted that the surface in Dubai may be slower than the one they encountered in Lahore, which could lead to a more challenging contest.
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“They’ve played all their games here in Dubai and know that surface. Obviously, the surface will dictate a little bit of how we want to operate,” said Santner.
“It might be a little bit slower than what we got in Lahore. It might be more of a scrap, but we’re down to scrap.”
Mitchell Santner expressed confidence in his team’s performance despite the challenges posed by the conditions and the traveling schedule during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Blackcaps played their last group-stage match in Dubai against India on March 2 before rushing to Lahore for their semi-final.
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After securing their place in the finals, the team has returned to Dubai, but Santner believes the team has adapted to the quick travel schedule.
“It’s just the general feel of this tournament, moving around a lot. It’s all part of the challenge. I think we’ve been to every place here,” Santner commented, referring to the demanding travel schedule between Dubai and Lahore.
“Obviously, in Pakistan and Dubai. I think the guys understand it’s part of it these days. As long as you’re ready to go for the game, it’s fine.”
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