The New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has denied all the fears about India’s familiarity with Dubai conditions ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 finals.
He said that the Kiwis are now worried about India’s venue advantage and prefer his team to concentrate on their performance irrespective of the location. Kane also admitted that India is a strong side in any conditions.
While many pundits and former players have criticised the ICC’s decision-making that has led to this, India’s focus will be on winning the final where they will go up against New Zealand.
Kane Williamson who performed well in the last two matches of the Champions Trophy, helped the side against South Africa in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy with a stunning century.
Speaking ahead of the finals, Kane Williamson said, “Yeah definitely the conditions are a lot different but you know that’s sort of the nature of the beast I think in any tournament that you have, conditions change a little bit throughout.”
“For us, it was nice to have that last match against India. There’s some really good bits there. India are an outstanding team and playing really well.”
“So, look, it’s important we try and take away some learnings from that last game. Park this match, and in a final, anything can happen. And it was a great atmosphere last game and I’m sure it’ll be a good one again,” Williamson said.
Speaking about the match conditions, “It is what it is (India playing in Dubai). Our focus is the next match, the location of that match, the opposition, they’re all factors.”
“Obviously, we played India there once. The conditions are different, so it’s important that we try and take away some of those positives and be nice and clear in how we’re trying to operate come two- or three-days’ time in the final.”
“It’s the nature of it and we’re looking forward to the final and excited about it,” he added.
The conditions in the UAE have favoured spinner with the slow surface making stroke-making tough. But, with New Zealand already played a match against India in Dubai, can help the side in the finals.
The summit clash of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on March 09 at Dubai International Stadium.
