Sunday’s match almost like a World Cup final: Siraj

Star pacer Mohammed Siraj has compared Sunday’s series decider against New Zealand to a World Cup final, a reflection of just how fiercely contested the first two ODIs have been. While the comparison may elevate a bilateral contest beyond its usual frame, it captures the intensity surrounding the third and final match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, with the series finely poised at 1-1.

“With the team 1-1 in the three-match series, there is everything to play for,” Siraj said on the eve of the match. “Such situations are very rare in India, so it is a great opportunity for us. Almost like a World Cup final.”

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New Zealand have historically found success in India hard to come by. They are yet to win an ODI bilateral series on Indian soil despite seven attempts and have managed only nine wins in 41 completed ODIs here. Their victory in the second ODI at Rajkot was particularly significant, marking their first win over India after eight consecutive defeats since 2023 and their first ODI win in India since 2017.

Siraj highlighted the heightened pressure within the Indian camp, while also pointing to the guidance coming from senior players. “The atmosphere is very good because we are getting a lot of input from the seniors. We won the first match and then played the second, so it feels like a high-pressure situation,” he said.

A familiar challenge for India once again has been Daryl Mitchell, who has consistently produced big performances against them. Mitchell’s scores of 84 and an unbeaten 131 in the ongoing series, the latter earning him the Player of the Match award, have underlined his influence. Across 10 innings against India, he has amassed 604 runs at an average of 67.11, including three centuries and two fifties.

Reflecting on India’s efforts to contain him, Siraj said the plan had been clear, even if execution fell short in Rajkot.

“We tried our best to get him out. We had a game plan for him. As you can see, even a world-class batter can make mistakes. If we had grabbed that opportunity, the scenario would have been different,” he said.

Siraj also pointed to Mitchell’s method against spin as a key factor in his success.

“The way he bats against spin, especially in the middle overs – taking singles and doubles – shows that he is thinking clearly and batting with a plan,” he added, while reiterating that India would again look to remove him early.

Despite India’s bowlers being tested by New Zealand’s batting, Siraj brushed aside concerns over the attack’s effectiveness.

“I don’t think there is any concern. It is always about one wicket. The bowling is doing well – once you get that one wicket, you will see a different bowler with a different confidence. I don’t see any concern,” he said.