Champions Trophy: Nasser Hussain Believes New Zealand's 251 is Insufficient to Halt India's Victory
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Synopsis
Former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed that New Zealand’s score of 251/7 in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy may not be enough to prevent India from clinching the trophy for the third time. India's spinners consistently dominated the match, raising concerns for the Kiwis' ability to defend their total.
Key Takeaways
- Nasser Hussain doubts New Zealand's total will suffice.
- India's spinners were instrumental in limiting runs.
- New Zealand's key innings came from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell.
- India maintained their successful strategy throughout the tournament.
- Boundary drought for New Zealand lasted 81 balls.
Dubai, March 9 (NationPress) Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes that New Zealand's initial score of 251/7 in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy is insufficient to prevent India from securing the trophy for the third time.
The spinners from India dominated once again on a slow pitch with merely two degrees of turn, effectively limiting the New Zealand batsmen from scoring significantly throughout most of the innings. The Blackcaps began well but succumbed to Indian spinners as they lost their first five wickets rapidly. Only half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell enabled the Kiwis to reach a somewhat defendable total.
"I believe it isn't enough, but New Zealand certainly required that innings from Bracewell - a fifty off 39 deliveries. Without his performance, a score between 220-230 would have been too low. This is a solid pitch. Yet, they have surpassed 250 thanks to his innings and given themselves a fighting chance in this final. Over to you, India," the former England captain remarked to Sky Sports.
Mitchell achieved the slowest half-century of his ODI career, reaching the milestone in 91 deliveries, while Bracewell's rapid fifty allowed the team led by Mitchell Santner to pass the 250-run mark.
India's story mirrored the previous matches, as their spin quartet kept troubling the Kiwi batsmen, resulting in an 81-ball drought for boundaries. The spinners took five wickets while only conceding 144 runs in 38 overs. Former England cricketer Michael Atherton noted that India maintained the strategy they have consistently executed throughout the tournament.
"This has been the tournament’s narrative. Generally, India has applied pressure with their spinners in the initial phase and then remained composed during the chase in the latter half. So far, it is adhering to that pattern. At one point, New Zealand experienced an 81-ball stretch without a boundary," Atherton stated.
