Kane Williamson inspired New Zealand to enter the Champions Trophy final with a win over South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday and was confident that his team would do better against India in the title clash after a defeat against Rohit Sharma & Co during the group stage of the tournament earlier.
“India are an outstanding team and playing really well,” said Williamson. “So, look, it’s important we try and take away some learnings from that last game. Park this match, and in a final, anything can happen. And it was a great atmosphere last game and I’m sure it’ll be a good one again.”
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New Zealand secured their place in the March 9 final with a commanding 50-run victory against South Africa in the second semi-final, featuring remarkable centuries from Williamson and Rachin Ravindra.
The pair contributed to New Zealand’s record-breaking tournament total of 362 for 6, after which captain Mitchell Santner’s impressive spin bowling (3 for 43) helped contain South Africa to 312 for 9.
Williamson acknowledged that the playing conditions in Dubai differs significantly from those in Pakistan.
While Dubai saw India’s highest score of 267 for 6 during their semi-final victory against Australia, Pakistan’s grounds have recorded eight instances where teams crossed the 300-run mark.
“The conditions are different, so it’s important that we try and take away some of those positives and be nice and clear in how we’re trying to operate come the final,” said Williamson.
“We’ll celebrate tonight but we’ll be changing our focus quickly to this next match which is an exciting opportunity for us,” the former Kiwi capain
Williamson praised the innings played by Ravindra, whose five ODI hundreds have all come in major ICC events.
“Rachin is an incredibly special talent,” said Williamson, after sharing a 164-run stand with Ravindra for the second wicket. “It’s always great to bat with him. He goes out and he puts the team first and he plays with that freedom.”
