IND vs NZ Champions Trophy final: ‘Won’t be easy’ – Wasim Akram and Jadeja warn India – Sports News
New Zealand’s clinical victory over South Africa in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy has drawn praise from former cricketing greats Wasim Akram and Ajay Jadeja. The Black Caps, powered by centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102), as well as Mitchell Santner’s three-wicket haul (3/43), secured a 50-run win in Lahore. Their triumph sets up a highly anticipated rematch against India in Dubai on Sunday.
India won’t have it easy: Akram
Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram believes that New Zealand will be better prepared for the final against India, having already played at the same venue. While acknowledging India as the favourites, Akram suggested that the odds were not overwhelmingly in their favour.
“They have an idea of what sort of wicket they’re going to get. They’ll probably prepare much better on that pitch against India. Won’t be easy for India. India definitely are the favourites, but won’t be 70-30 favourites going into the final. It will be more like 60-40 – 60 to India and 40 to New Zealand,” Akram said on the DP World Dressing Room show on Ten Sports.
Akram also praised Mitchell Santner for his calm and composed demeanour, which he believes positively influences his teammates.
“There’s confidence and calmness. As a person, he and Williamson are very calm people, and have a calming effect on the team,” said Akram. “There’s a difference between being calm and being lazy. These are the calm ones.”
New Zealand have their bases covered: Jadeja
Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja also heaped praise on New Zealand, calling them the one team capable of breaking India’s unbeaten streak.
“If there’s a team that could beat India, it’s New Zealand,” Jadeja remarked. “I had said I would like South Africa (as India’s opponent for the final), but this is the team that’s going to come because they have more bases covered. Rachin and Williamson, the ones tasked with anchoring the innings, handle spin well. In these conditions, New Zealand are the team that can give India a tough fight.”
New Zealand will be looking to claim their second Champions Trophy title against India, having previously defeated them in the 2000 edition final in Nairobi. Led by Stephen Fleming, the Black Caps triumphed over Sourav Ganguly’s men by four wickets, with all-rounder Chris Cairns playing a match-winning knock.
