Dubai: New Zealand won the toss and opted to field against India in the 12th match of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner cited pitch conditions as the reason for his decision, stating, "We'll have a bowl first, looks like a good wicket. Want to put some pressure early and hopefully it skids on well later. We still want to win, we know we are going to be in Lahore later but our job here is to do a job here. Daryl Mitchell comes in, Conway misses this one."
India captain Rohit Sharma, however, was content with the outcome of the toss. "Was anyway looking to bat first, wanted to see what we could do upfront and then challenge our bowlers since we chased in both games. Approach will be very similar to the previous games, just trying to do the same things. One change for us - Harshit (Rana) has been rested, Varun (Chakravarthy) is playing for us. It is all about bowling in partnerships, in both games we have combined to pick 19 wickets. Our spinners have restricted them well and then the seamers have got the wickets."
Both India and New Zealand have already secured qualification for the knockout stages, but this fixture will determine the final standings in Group A. With Australia and South Africa keenly observing the result, the outcome will decide which team plays in Dubai and which one heads to Lahore.
India, having played all their group matches at this venue, have made the most of familiar conditions, with their bowlers dismissing opponents for under-par totals in both games. The top order, led by a rejuvenated Virat Kohli, who recently scored a century, has been in fine form.
New Zealand, on the other hand, have been clinical, overcoming Pakistan in their opener and relying on a match-winning knock from Rachin Ravindra against Bangladesh. However, their former captain Kane Williamson is yet to find his rhythm in the tournament, having registered two single-digit scores.
The Black Caps have shown depth in their spin department, with Santner and Michael Bracewell proving effective on Dubai’s sluggish surface. Despite an inexperienced pace attack, they have held their own and now face a stern test against a formidable Indian lineup.
The India-New Zealand rivalry in ICC events has intensified over the past decade, setting the stage for yet another intriguing contest.
New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
