India Start As Favorites
India will start as favourites when they take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy Final to be held in Dubai tomorrow afternoon. The man to man comparison of both sides gives India an absolute edge and the way New Zealand capitulated in the league game, should give India massive confidence going into the final.
India’s Potent Spin Quartet…
India’s potent spin quartet of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel on a slow, dry and gripping surface would be a handful for any team. The Black Caps had had a taste of it already and though they would be planning to counter the threat, the challenge is ominous.
… and A well Entrenched Batting Line-up
Another fact which goes in India’s favour is its in-form batting line-up. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya have not put a foot wrong. The opening has been a bit wobbly, but the middle order has been rock solid. The lower order has also contributed when required and appears in good touch too.
The Black Caps Have Their Arsenal Too
There is absolutely no doubt that the Black Caps are up against an extremely strong Indian Team and will be required to play out of their skins to stage a fight. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson around whom the New Zealand batting generally evolves, will be required to thwart India’s spin threat, while Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips would be required to play their part. Not to forget Will Young who very recently played brilliantly in India.
A Spin Threat To India
The bowling unit too looks well-balanced for the Kiwis. Matt Henry ( if he is fit for the game), Will O’Rourke, and Kyle Jamieson form a solid new ball team while Bracewell, captain Santner and Glen Phillips pose a decent spin threat to India.
Nerves, Patience & Intent
It will eventually all boil down to the team which holds its nerves better, has the patience and technique to survive the pitch and has the intent to go all along the way.
An interesting match on the cards.
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