New Zealand will look to play their cards more smartly in the match that matters, the Champions trophy final against India on Sunday, having experienced the spin-heavy strategy employed by Rohit Sharma & Co during their group-stage encounter. However, there’s more than one thing about the Kiwis that India too must be wary of.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu gave a lowdown on the players that may trouble India in the title clash.
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Speaking about the big game in a Star Sports video, Rayudu said: “We have to be very, very wary of three players.”
Mitchell Santner‘s spin in the middle overs
New Zealand’s bowling attack has revolved around the left-arm spin of captain Mitchell Santner, more so in Dubai than at the three batting-friendly venues in Pakistan. He showed that during his crafty spell in the semi-final against South Africa in Lahore, where he choked the Proteas with his 3 for 43 in the middle overs of their chase.
While Santner’s seven wickets in four matches may not appear a menacing stat, it’s his economy rate of 4.85 runs that resembles the kind of web Indian spinners have tangled the opposition batters into. He will be even more important if tournament’s top wicket-taker, fast bowler Matt Henry, doesn’t recover from his shoulder injury to play the final.
Rachin Ravindra‘s batting at the top
With two centuries in three matches, top-order batter Rachin Ravindra remains the biggest threat for the Indian bowlers. His 226 runs in three matches at an average of 75.33 has propped up the Kiwi batting line-up.
The challenge for him will be to navigate through the quartet of Indian spinners in Dubai, especially considering his failure in the group-stage match against the Indian team, scoring just six runs before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya.
Devon Conway – the dark horse
Interestingly, Rayudu predicted Conway’s return to the playing eleven in the final and warned India to not overlook the left-handed batter’s attacking skills.
He played New Zealand’s first two matches of this Champions Trophy against Pakistan and Bangladesh, scoring 10 and 30 respectively. The opener has remained out of the playing eleven since then, with the Kiwis opting to open with Will Young and Ravindra in the subsequent group match against India and the semifinal against South Africa.
