Indian renowned sports journalist Vikrant Gupta dubbed the New Zealand cricket team as the “dark horse” for the forthcoming Champions Trophy, slated to happen from February 19, primarily in Pakistan.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gupta said, “They look such a compact team, almost made for the subcontinent conditions.”

“They will be the dark horse this Champions Trophy,” said Gupta.

New Zealand will start their Champions Trophy campaign with the first match against Pakistan on February 19.

Also Read: ‘Will be foolish to underestimate New Zealand in Champions Trophy’

Few days back, Gupta said that it will be foolish to underestimate New Zealand in the highly-anticipated Champions Trophy.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gupta said: “Fresh look at the Kiwis in ODIs in subcontinent conditions – in India’s group along with Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.”

He acknowledged the batting prowess of Glenn Phillips, who notched a blistering century, saying, “They are just toying with Pakistani bowling, Phillips is swatting sixes at will.”

Gupta maintained, “As ever in any ICC tournament, it would be foolish to underestimate them in the Champions Trophy.”