LAHORE: New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has dismissed concerns about India’s potential advantage from playing all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, emphasizing his team’s need to focus on factors within their control before Sunday’s final.
“It is what it is,” Williamson stated matter-of-factly following his side’s impressive 50-run victory over South Africa in Wednesday’s semi-final. “Our focus is the next match. The location, the opposition—they’re all factors. We played India there once already, and while the conditions are different, it’s important we take away positives and be clear in our approach.”
The Black Caps secured their final berth through centuries from both Williamson (102) and Rachin Ravindra (108) against the previously unbeaten Proteas. Their reward is a championship showdown against an India side that defeated them by 44 runs during the group stage at the same Dubai venue.
That earlier encounter saw India’s spinners dominate, with Varun Chakravarthy claiming a five-wicket haul despite Williamson’s resilient 81-run innings. The spin-friendly conditions could again prove decisive in Sunday’s final. “The conditions are different, but that’s the nature of tournaments,” Williamson explained in a post-match press conference.
“For us, it was valuable to have that last match against India. There were some good bits there, and we need to take away learnings from that game.” While acknowledging India as “an outstanding team playing really well,” the Kiwi skipper maintained that finals create their own dynamic: “In a final, anything can happen. It was a great atmosphere last game, and I’m sure it’ll be a good one again.” New Zealand’s recent form suggests they’ve found their rhythm at the perfect time. With Ravindra continuing his impressive tournament and contributions from Daryl Mitchell, the Black Caps will aim to overcome India’s formidable spin attack of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Chakravarthy. The final represents New Zealand’s opportunity to claim their maiden Champions Trophy title when the teams meet in Dubai on March 9.
