Champions Trophy Showdown: Tiwary Backs India but Cautions on NZ Threat
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Synopsis
Manoj Tiwary emphasizes India's status as the favorite to win the ICC Champions Trophy but warns that New Zealand should not be taken lightly. He highlights key players and the challenges ahead in the high-stakes final at Dubai International Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- India is the favorite for the ICC Champions Trophy.
- New Zealand poses a serious threat despite India's dominance.
- Mitchell Santner is a key bowler to watch out for.
- India has been in impressive form throughout the tournament.
- History favors New Zealand in knockout matches.
Kolkata, March 8 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary asserts that the team led by Rohit Sharma stands as the prime contender to seize the ICC Champions Trophy. However, he cautions against underestimating New Zealand in the decisive match scheduled at the Dubai International Stadium this Sunday.
Tiwary expressed his belief in Team India, stating, “India is undoubtedly the leading contender. Their performance throughout this Champions Trophy reflects their dominance. Yet, being the favourite comes with its own pressures. Conversely, New Zealand has everything to gain, placing the onus on India. Since it’s an ICC trophy, the true test for India may arise from either Australia or New Zealand. The Black Caps must not be underestimated,” Tiwary informed IANS.
He also stressed the significance of approaching New Zealand’s premier spinner, Mitchell Santner, with caution. “India needs to maintain their current gameplay. Santner is a pivotal bowler for them. Indian batsmen should deal with him wisely rather than aggressively, as he is an exceptional spinner capable of ensnaring batsmen with his expertise.”
Unbeaten in the tournament thus far, India aims for its third Champions Trophy title, while New Zealand seeks their own third title, the last of which they secured in 2013. The Men in Blue have displayed remarkable form, achieving four consecutive victories, including a significant four-wicket win over Australia in the semifinals.
India topped Group A with wins against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while The Black Caps triumphed over Pakistan and Bangladesh before falling to India in their last group match. In the semifinals, New Zealand outperformed South Africa by 50 runs to secure a rematch with India.
Despite India’s recent successes, history favors New Zealand in ICC knockout matches. The teams have clashed four times in such situations, with The Black Caps holding a 3-1 advantage. Their victories were in the 2000 Champions Trophy final, the 2019 semifinal, and the 2021 World Test Championship final. Nonetheless, India managed to overturn the trend in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal.
Tiwary pointed out key players from India making an impact in the tournament. “Varun Chakravarthy has been exceptional, securing five wickets in his last two matches, including one against New Zealand.
Shreyas Iyer has been noteworthy, and Virat Kohli consistently rises to the occasion when it counts. Had he batted a bit longer against Australia, he might have notched another century. Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach at the top is admirable, and Shubman Gill is in fantastic form. KL Rahul excelled in the semis, and Hardik Pandya is a vital player provided he stays fit,” he remarked.
The pitch in Dubai has favored spinners throughout the tournament, with the power-play being optimal for batting when the ball is new. As the ball ages, scoring becomes increasingly challenging. The weather forecast indicates a hot afternoon with temperatures around 32°C, adding another layer of difficulty for both teams.
With the final poised to be a high-pressure affair, Tiwary remains optimistic about India’s performance. “I am confident India will claim the trophy. They appear very robust, and so far, they have not encountered significant obstacles. Every player has made a substantial contribution. It’s all about managing pressure on the crucial day.”
