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Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who scored a century against South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal, believes that his team will do better against India in the mega event's final, which will take place at Dubai International Stadium on March 9.
India and New Zealand faced each other earlier in the tournament during their third group stage match at the same venue where Rohit Sharma-led side defeated Blackcaps by 44 runs. Williamson lauds Team India ahead of the final.
"India are an outstanding team and playing really well," said Williamson. "So, look, it's important we try and take away some learnings from that last game. Park this match, and in a final, anything can happen. And it was a great atmosphere last game and I'm sure it'll be a good one again" said Williamson as quoted by TOI.
New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal to seal their berth for the finale. Rachin Ravindra and Williamson smashed individual centuries, helping New Zealand to score 362 runs. After that, captain Mitchell Santner's impressive spin bowling (3 for 43) helped contain South Africa to 312 for 9. Williamson believes that the playing conditions in Dubai differ significantly from those in Pakistan.
"The conditions are different, so it's important that we try and take away some of those positives and be nice and clear in how we're trying to operate come the final," said Williamson.
"We'll celebrate tonight but we'll be changing our focus quickly to this next match which is an exciting opportunity for us," the former Kiwi capain Williamson praised the innings played by Ravindra, whose five ODI hundreds have all come in major ICC events.
"Rachin is an incredibly special talent," said Williamson, after sharing a 164-run stand with Ravindra for the second wicket. "It's always great to bat with him. He goes out and he puts the team first and he plays with that freedom."
