Former Pakistan great Wasim Akram has tipped India as favorites for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at Dubai on Sunday. Akram said it would be 60-40 in favor of India but added it won’t be easy for Rohit Sharma’s team.
New Zealand is always known to punch above their weight and they have been a thorn in India’s flesh in major ICC tournaments. However, India registered a comprehensive 44-run win against the Kiwis in the last group stage of the eight-team tournament.
India had also beaten New Zealand in the semifinal of the 2023 ODI World Cup but the Blackcaps had bested Men in Blue in the semis of the 2019 World Cup.
New Zealand is known to tick the right boxes and India would not want to be complacent in the all-important final.
Wasim Akram said on DP World Dressing Room show, “They have an idea what sort of wicket they’re going to get. They’ll probably prepare much better on that pitch against India. Won’t be easy for India. India definitely are the favourites, but won’t be 70-30 favourites going into the final. It will be more like 60-40 – 60 to India and 40 to New Zealand.”
Akram also hailed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner for his calmness on the field.
“That’s him as a person. There’s confidence and calmness. As a person, he and Williamson are very calm people, and have a calming effect (on the team). There’s a difference between being calm and being lazy. These are the calm ones.”
On the other hand, former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja said New Zealand is more than capable of beating India as they have all bases covered.
“If there’s a team that could beat India (it’s New Zealand). I had said I would like South Africa (as India’s opponent for the final), but this is the team that’s going to come because they have more bases covered.”
“Rachin and Williamson, the ones tasked with anchoring the innings, handle spin well. In these conditions, New Zealand are the team that can give India a tough fight and make them pay for the smallest of mistakes.”
India will take on New Zealand in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.
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