Under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand National Cricket Team faced off against Rohit Sharma’s India National Cricket Team in the final group stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 2. Despite a spirited effort, the Black Caps fell short, losing by a significant margin of 44 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
For more insights, read: *Varun Chakravarthy reveals how Rohit, Kohli helped him bag historic 5-fer vs NZ in CT 2025*.
It was a slower wicket than expected – Mitchell Santner
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, New Zealand’s bowlers initially had India in trouble at 30/3. However, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel spearheaded a recovery, though regular wickets saw India post 249/9 in 50 overs.
In response, New Zealand started steadily, with Kane Williamson’s impressive 81 keeping them in contention. However, his dismissal in the 41st over triggered a collapse, and the team was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
Reflecting on the loss, Santner pointed to the slow pitch conditions and India’s superior control during the middle overs. He stated:
“It was a slower wicket than what we’ve encountered before. India managed the middle phase better. Shreyas played a fantastic knock, and Hardik finished it off brilliantly.”
The pitch spun more than we anticipated – Mitchell Santner
Santner also noted that the pitch offered more assistance to spinners than expected, and India’s quality attack capitalized on it. He said:
“It spun a bit more than we thought, and India’s spinners applied pressure effectively. Picking up wickets in the powerplay was a positive takeaway for us.”
Looking ahead to their semi-final clash against South Africa, Santner emphasized the role of pace bowlers and expressed excitement for the match. He added:
“Our next game is in Lahore, where Henry will be crucial. South Africa has a strong pace attack, so we’ll need to adapt to the conditions. We’ll see if it’s a used surface or a fresh one.”
New Zealand’s Performance in the Previous ODI Against India
In their last ODI encounter during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, New Zealand fought hard but ultimately lost to India by 70 runs.
Batting first, India dominated with centuries from Virat Kohli (117) and Shreyas Iyer (105), along with Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 80, posting a massive 397/4. Tim Southee was the only Kiwi bowler to make an impact, claiming three wickets despite being expensive.
In reply, New Zealand’s top order faltered early, with Mohammed Shami dismantling the lineup. Kane Williamson (69) and Daryl Mitchell (134) provided resistance, but the required run rate proved too steep. The team was bowled out for 327, with Shami recording a historic 7/57.
