New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner says his side is brimming with excitement ahead of their first ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against the India national cricket team on Sunday in Ahmedabad, with the Black Caps determined to seize a rare opportunity to claim a global title.
Speaking on the eve of the final, Santner admitted the atmosphere in the New Zealand camp was electric as the players prepared for the biggest match of the tournament.
“First thing, we’re pretty excited,” Santner said. “We played India just before the tournament started, so there are no real secrets about what is going to be out there tomorrow. The boys are buzzing. A World Cup final is something everyone gets excited about and we’re ready to go.”
Both teams have taken different routes to reach the final, but Santner believes the journey means little once the teams walk onto the field for the decisive contest.
“Everyone’s goal is to get through each stage whether it is the group stage, Super Eight or the semi-finals,” he said. “We have had different roads to get here but at the end of the day it is a one-off game against a very good team. Momentum is a big part in T20 cricket and we have taken confidence from our last match. I am sure India will feel the same.”
The final will be played at the imposing Narendra Modi Stadium, a venue known for large crowds and big scores. Santner expects a batting friendly surface although the pitch remained under covers during the press conference.
“I haven’t seen the wicket yet because it is still under cover,” he said. “But you can assume it will be pretty flat and high scoring. That means execution with the ball will be important.”
India’s attack will be spearheaded by pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, who produced a decisive spell in the semi-final against England national cricket team. Santner acknowledged the threat but insisted India’s strength lies in their collective effort.
“Bumrah should be in everyone’s conversations the way he has been going,” Santner said. “He is a world-class bowler and a game changer. But it is not just him. The Indian team has had different players step up with bat and ball at different times. That is exactly where you want to be as a team.”
New Zealand will draw on valuable lessons from their bilateral series in India earlier this year, where they were tested on challenging surfaces.
“It was a great learning experience for us,” Santner explained. “We were challenged a lot during that series and you take that information forward. Playing India in India is always tough and those learnings help going into a game like this.”
The Black Caps have built a reputation for consistency in ICC tournaments, reaching several finals in recent years without lifting a white-ball trophy. Santner admitted the team would love to change that narrative.
“I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy,” he said with a smile. “People often say we are the team that wins hearts. Hopefully tomorrow we can break a few hearts and lift the trophy.”
With more than 100,000 spectators expected to support the hosts, Santner knows the challenge will be immense. Yet he believes pressure could also weigh on India.
“There will be a huge crowd behind them and there is obviously a lot of pressure on India to win a home World Cup,” he said. “If we can go out there, play our game and put them under pressure, anything can happen.”
