Varun Chakravarthy led India’s charge with a superb 5-42, the best figures by a bowler in the ongoing tournament, as India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in the final Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Veteran batter Kane Williamson believes New Zealand’s six-wicket victory over South Africa in the Tri-Nation Series at the Gaddafi Stadium helps his side prepare for the 2025 Champions Trophy which will begin on February 19.
New Zealand have taken a “cautious approach” with Kane Williamson by ruling out the star batter from the side’s third and final Test against India in Mumbai, starting November 1.
Kane Williamson, former skipper and New Zealand’s most-experienced batter, is set to miss the second Test against India, starting October 24 in Pune as he is “yet to be 100 percent fit” after sustaining a groin strain.
The 33-year-old admitted that he is pursuing an opportunity to play in an overseas league during the New Zealand summer and hence won’t be available for the national side during that period. Apart from that time frame, he has reaffirmed his commitment to be always available to play for New Zealand.
Prior to this, the pair gave birth to a boy in 2022 and a girl in 2019.
Defending champions Gujarat Titans suffered a big blow on Sunday as Kane Williamson was been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 after suffering an injury during Friday's tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings.
After a crushing defeat in the first ODI in Auckland, Shikhar Dhawan-led India will look to level the series in the second match against Kane Williamson's New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Williamson said the pitch and overcast conditions prompted him to bowl first, with Adam Milne coming in for Trent Boult in the playing eleven. "It's been under covers for a large part, and also potentially some weather around. Always a great occasion when you get to play against India," he said.
In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, India and New Zealand failed to win their semifinal games respectively
