While New Zealand lost to India in the group stage of the Champions Trophy in Dubai, captain Mitchell Santner feels that they were able to test Rohit Sharma's team in that game and that gives them confidence as they prepare to face them in the much-hyped final on Sunday.
New Zealand qualified for the title final following a dominant 50-run win over South Africa in the second semifinal on Wednesday. They will meet India, who had previously beaten Australia by four wickets in the first semifinal.
Looking back on their group-stage defeat at India's hands in Dubai, Santner revealed, "Being down there in Dubai and keeping India under pressure put some confidence back in our hearts. You take in what works and what does not.
"Bowlers, I reckon, bowled good to nick wickets early on. I reckon winning the toss will be great as well," he added while speaking in the post-match conference.
India had defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in their last group game on March 2 in Dubai.
"It's a nice feeling to reach the final. We were tested by a good team. We've had a crack at India, look forward to doing it again," Santner said.
In the meantime, there is some worry about pacer Matthew Henry, who seemed to have hurt his shoulder while fielding. Commenting on his condition, Santner said, "It's a bit sore, we have to wait for a couple of days and see."
Speaking of Wednesday's victory over South Africa, Santner attributed the solid platform laid by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson to enable the team to make the most in the death overs. "The platform that we were able to lay with Rachin and Kane, and get into the death phase early, was fantastic. The finishers did what they needed to do.
He also pointed towards the necessity for persistent wicket-taking, observing, "The bowlers' key is keep chipping with wickets. It was fine individually. What we talk as a team is putting pressure but continuing to pick up wickets. It was satisfying to grab three decent scalps individually," opined Santner, whose final tally stood at 3/43.
"We received four all-rounders who can bowl spin, that adds depth. GP's two wickets and Rachin's five overs were excellent.
"Williamson keeps doing it. That stand was huge, may've been frustrated a bit at times, but they turned it on earlier and took us to 360. In hindsight, 320 may not have been enough," he said.
Rachin Ravindra, Player of the Match for his masterful century (108), was thrilled to have played a part in a decisive semifinal win. "Good feeling to help get across an emphatic victory in a semi-final. Didn't begin as well as I had hoped, SA bowled well, but once we were underway, it was pleasant to build alliances with Kane and Young."
Talking about the target of the team while batting first, he remarked, "We were thinking about 300 as cutters were holding, and SA were getting bounce, but then the game started accelerating nicely, and Glenn and Mitchell finished great.".
"With tournament cricket is next and then what. Good to take in the win today, celebrate as a team and get around people. When we get to Dubai, we switch back on."
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma conceded that New Zealand had played better than them both with the bat and the ball. "NZ were above par. I think as well as they batted, we backed ourselves to chase 350 with the wicket getting better. We had one or two good partnerships but not enough.".
"Either me or VDD (Rassie van der Dussen) had to play big, and that did not happen," he added, as New Zealand pushed the run chase early.
"They breached the off side consistently and continued to hit boundaries in the middle overs. It was hard to keep them in check, given that they had wickets in hand towards the end and pressured us.".
"At 125 for 1, me and Rassie batting, we had to bat till the 35th. But we could not establish the base for the middle order. Soft dismissal for me, better ball to get Rassie.
"Left too much to do for those coming in. From a batting point, being more decisive is what's on my mind. Have to be ruthless and go for the game," Bavuma concluded.
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