T20 World Cup Final: India To Face New Zealand In Ahmedabad

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner says his team is ready to challenge hosts and defending champions India in the T20 World Cup final despite the pressure of playing in front of a massive home crowd.

The final will be played today (Sunday) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where more than 100,000 fans are expected to support India.

Santner admitted India would likely start the match as favourites but said New Zealand were determined to seize the opportunity and claim their first white-ball World Cup title.

“We know it will be a tough challenge and that we’re probably not the favourites,” Santner said.“But it would be special to lift a trophy, even if it means disappointing the home crowd.”

New Zealand reached the T20 World Cup final in 2021 but lost to Australia. The Black Caps have yet to win a World Cup in either the T20 or ODI formats.

They secured their place in the final with a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa in the semifinals. Finn Allen led the charge with the fastest century of the tournament, helping New Zealand chase down a target of 169 in just 12.5 overs.

However, the Kiwis had earlier suffered defeats to South Africa and England during the competition, while India head into the final on the back of three consecutive victories.

Santner said his side hoped to replicate Australia’s success in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, when Pat Cummins’ team defeated India in Ahmedabad and silenced the home crowd.

“Our goal is to quiet the crowd,” he said.“T20 cricket can change quickly. South Africa played great cricket throughout the tournament but had one bad day against us and were out.”

He added that the pressure of playing at home and the expectations of millions of fans could weigh heavily on the Indian team.

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