'India controlled middle phase better': Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner after 44-run loss

NEW DELHI: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that the pitch in their final ICC Champions Trophy group stage match against India was slower than what they had encountered in the Pakistan leg of the tournament. He credited India’s bowlers for expertly controlling the middle overs, which ultimately led to his side’s 44-run defeat.
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Despite a resilient knock from Kane Williamson, New Zealand found themselves trapped in a spin web woven by Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. With this victory, India finished the group stage unbeaten, securing three wins in three matches. They will now face Australia in the semifinal on March 4 in Dubai.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Santner acknowledged India’s superior control in the middle overs.
"It was a slower wicket than what we have come against. We knew that going in. India controlled the middle phase better," he said.
He also praised Shreyas Iyer’s composed innings and lauded the Indian spinners for applying relentless pressure on New Zealand’s batters.
"The key for us was getting wickets in the powerplay, and that was good to see. Our next game is in Lahore (against South Africa), where (Matt) Henry will be massive. On those wickets with some pace and bounce, they have four good pacers, so we will have to see how we play them. We have to wait and see if it is a used or a fresh surface," Santner added.
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first. India’s top order faltered, collapsing to 30/3. However, a crucial 98-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) steadied the innings. Further contributions from KL Rahul (23), Hardik Pandya (45), and Ravindra Jadeja (16) helped India post a competitive 249/9 in 50 overs.
Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming an impressive 5/42 in his eight overs.
In response, New Zealand struggled to build momentum in their chase of 250. Williamson played a valiant knock of 81 off 120 balls, but regular wickets derailed the innings.
Varun Chakravarthy was the wrecker-in-chief, taking a match-winning 5/42, while Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with 2/56. Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja each claimed a wicket as New Zealand was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
India’s dominant display ensured they finished the group stage on a high, while New Zealand will now shift focus to their crucial semi-final clash against South Africa in Lahore on March 5.