New Zealand – Bhartiyanews24x7

The final frontier is now the familiar frontier. It’s still daunting, but no longer impregnable. The variegated hues of pitches in the subcontinent still intrigue the visiting teams, but they no longer intimidate them. The interpretation is shrewder, the approach is sharper, and the fear is waning. So much so that sometimes they nullify the devils of the 22 yards more competently than the Indian batsmen, their spin game, specifically, diminished. *In 10 expeditions to India, spread over nearly half a century, New Zealand bowlers had mustered only seven five-wicket hauls ever. In the next two, in the span of three years, they matched the haul, and inevitably whitewashed India in their last encounter. Even if the growing frequency of tours is accounted for, credits due to WTC cycles, and the...

In Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy final, India will face New Zealand, a side that will give them a stiff challenge. Having already played India at the venue last Sunday, New Zealand know what to expect in terms of conditions, which South Africa wouldn’t have had, if they had made it. The Indian Express takes a look at the reasons that make New Zealand a strong side to overcome in the final. Spin in the tale If there is any team in the Champions Trophy that could match or come close to India in terms of spin bowling resources, it is the Kiwis. Led by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, they have three other spin bowling options in Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. So in terms of variety in the spin department, they have their bases covered. In their group match, India cam...

Tag: New Zealand

Thanks to IPL, New Zealand cleared the final frontier

ICC Champions Trophy: Why India should be wary of New Zealand in the final