Stephen Fleming. Nathan Astle. Scott Styris. These were the names that etched New Zealand’s lone men’s white-ball tournament triumph into history. The Black Caps’ thrilling four-wicket win over India in the 2000 Champions Trophy final in Kenya remains a defining moment in their cricketing journey—one that inspired an entire generation.
Conceding the element of risk in tackling Varun Chakravarthy, New Zealand coach Gary Stead felt that the mystery spinner will be a “big threat” in Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy final, and the Kiwis need to put on their “thinking caps” to negate his effectiveness.
In 12 innings in 2024, New Zealand have lost 67 of 104 wickets to spin - their most in five years - and they still have six Tests to go this year. Their average of 22.58 against spin in 2024 is the worst for any team in the WTC. More recently in Sri Lanka, they lost 37 of the 40 wickets to spin.
The Indian team would want to win the final match of the tour and return to India with happy memories despite losing the ODI series 3-0.
Resuming at an overnight score of 122 for 5 on Day 2, India could add only 43 runs before getting wrapped up.
Meanwhile, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has also pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanction.
The heroes of the last two matches- Mohammed Shami and Thakur have now finally revealed what exactly they were thinking as they prepared to bow the last overs.
India had remained unbeaten in 7 matches thrice before.
Rohit Sharma had also credited Shami for his phenomenal last over which helped India make an improbable come back in the third T20I at Hamilton.
Rohit, who was the hero of the last encounter, was rested to accommodate Sanju Samson in this match who had been warming the benches throughout the series.
