Throwing down the gauntlet before the Champions Trophy final: Mitchell Santner's bold declaration against India

After their 50-run victory over South Africa in the semi-final, Santner expressed confidence in the team's performance, attributing their success to their experience in Dubai and the pressure they were able to put on India. Reflecting on the match, Santner praised the bowlers for their strong performance in taking early wickets. Looking ahead to the final, Santner emphasized the importance of winning the toss for a favorable advantage.

India had beaten New Zealand by 44 runs in their last group match on March 2 in Dubai. "It's a cool feeling to make the final. We were challenged by a good side. We've had a go against India, look forward to do it again," he said.

'Williamson keeps doing it'

Encouragingly for New Zealand, their batting great Kane Williamson scored 81 against India in that game. Williamson followed that up with a masterful 102 off 94 balls against South Africa in the semi-final. His 164-run stand for the second wicket with Rachin Ravindra, which came in just 154 balls, was central to New Zealand's dominance in Lahore. Moreover for New Zealand, Ravindra is in ace form, smashing 108 off 101 balls and taking a wicket against South Africa.

"Williamson keeps doing it. That partnership was massive, might've been frustrated a touch at times, but they flipped the switch earlier and got us to 360. Looking back, 320 might not have been enough," said Santner.

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