New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner predicted a tight contest in the Champions Trophy final on Thursday, stating that a slower pitch in Dubai would create challenges for both teams.
The final, scheduled for Sunday, will see New Zealand face off against India, with the winner set to be crowned in the prestigious eight-nation tournament held across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Santner, speaking on his arrival in Dubai, acknowledged the team's preparation but noted the distinct advantage India possessed, having played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.
"I guess finals cricket is different, but for us what we have been doing to get us to this point has been good," Santner remarked.
"But obviously we have come against a good side, who have played all their games in Dubai and know that surface, and we will be better for the run we had the other day against them," he continued.
The New Zealand team had previously lost their last group match to India by 44 runs, but Santner emphasised that the experience would benefit them. He further pointed out that the pitch would dictate how the match would unfold, predicting a slower surface compared to the one they had encountered in Lahore.
"Obviously the surface will dictate a little bit of how we want to operate. Will be slower than what we got in Lahore, might be more of a scrap," Santner said.
The tournament's schedule, which saw teams fly in and out of the UAE from Pakistan, contrasted with India’s decision to stay in Dubai due to political tensions, had raised much discussion.
The pitches across the two countries varied significantly, with Pakistan's tracks producing higher scores.
New Zealand had set a Champions Trophy record by posting 362-6 against South Africa in Lahore, a stark contrast to the slow and turning decks of the Dubai stadium.
Despite the logistical challenges, Santner expressed confidence that the team had managed the travel well. "It's all part of the challenge," he said. "We have been to every place here obviously into Pakistan and Dubai. But I think the guys understand that it's part of it these days."
New Zealand's performance in the lead-up to the final had been bolstered by their win in a tri-series tournament in Pakistan, where they faced South Africa and showed impressive form.
Rachin Ravindra, a key player for New Zealand, had scored his second century of the tournament in the semi-final, partnering with the in-form Kane Williamson, who also scored 102.
Santner attributed their recent success to the tri-series, which had helped the players get into good form before the short 50-over tournament.
"Obviously that tri-series before — the tournament was handy in guys getting in form, especially into one of these tournaments which are quite short, three games and you're into the semis," Santner said. "We have had a bit of a roll on and hopefully it continues."
Looking ahead to the final, Santner added, "We are here now and boys are pretty excited for the challenge ahead. One day off at training but the boys be fizzing and ready for the main event."
