New Zealand cricket continues to shine globally, yet ICC titles remain elusive. Mitchell Santner, reflecting on the recent Champions Trophy final loss to India, praised his team’s resilience. His words, “We pride ourselves in not giving up, and we didn’t,” echo the Black Caps’ spirit. Meanwhile, Michael Bracewell takes the helm for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan.
This series marks a fresh challenge with key players missing and new faces stepping in. This article delves into Santner’s thoughts on the final, Bracewell’s leadership debut at home, and the squad changes for both teams. Mitchell Santner expressed pride in New Zealand’s tenacity during the Champions Trophy final.
Despite losing to India, he highlighted their refusal to surrender. “We pride ourselves on not giving up, and we didn’t,” he said. Reaching the ICC finals is an achievement, but New Zealand hasn’t won a white-ball trophy since 2000.
Santner noted, “They’re starting to add up a bit now,” referring to their five final losses. Yet, he sees value in facing top teams like India in these games. The team fought hard, pushing India deep into the match. Santner remains hopeful, saying, “We thought we were in with a real sniff.” Their resilience shines through, even in defeat. This spirit could fuel their successive triumph.
Santner Reflects on India’s Knockout Dominance
Santner acknowledged the challenge of facing India in ICC knockout matches. New Zealand lost to them in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal and now the Champions Trophy final. Previously, the Black Caps had the upper hand in such games. Santner said, “We just keep coming up against India, which is always a challenge.” He stressed treating the final like any other game, despite its stakes.
The Indian National Cricket team adapted to Dubai’s conditions, which differed from the semifinal. They performed well, taking India to the wire. Santner noted, “We took India deep,” but India’s quality prevailed. New Zealand’s consistency against elite teams is clear. Santner’s focus on preparation will guide them in future clashes.
Mitchell Santner Analyzes Toss and Pitch Dynamics
Santner explained his choice to bat first after winning the toss in Dubai. Unlike typical UAE games, dew wasn’t a factor this time. He observed, “There was probably a little bit more turn in the second innings.” The pitch stayed consistent, though batting grew tougher later.
Santner had no regrets, saying, “If we get a total, we can squeeze teams.” New Zealand also aimed for a defendable score but faltered in the group-stage match. The strategy worked in the semifinal, giving them confidence. However, India’s spinners exploited the turning pitch better. Santner believes they left 25 runs short. This miscalculation shaped the game’s outcome, offering lessons for future decisions.
Santner on Batting Struggles in the Middle Overs
Santner praised New Zealand’s aggressive start, scoring 69 runs in the powerplay. The intent was clear, setting a strong base. However, India’s spinners stifled them in the middle overs. Santner said, “It took some brilliance from the spin bowlers to peg us back.”
The run rate dropped as batters struggled to adapt. Michael Bracewell’s late surge pushed them past 250. Mitchell Santner admitted, “We were probably thinking 280, 275.” Falling short by 25 runs hurt their chances. The middle-over phase proved decisive, exposing a weakness. Santner’s honesty highlights areas for improvement in future games.
Santner Laments Matt Henry’s Absence
Santner rued the absence of pacer Matt Henry, sidelined by a shoulder injury. Henry’s knack for troubling India’s top order was missed. Santner said, “He’s an outstanding bowler… we missed that today.” His ability to move the ball on flat pitches is rare.
Without him, New Zealand’s attack lacked bite in key moments. Santner added, “We just kind of said, let’s do it for him.” The team rallied, but the gap was evident. Henry’s injury, sustained in the semifinal, was a blow. Santner hopes he recovers soon for future battles. Depth in bowling remains a concern for big games.
Santner Praises Rohit Sharma’s Game-Changing Knock
Mitchell Santner hailed Rohit Sharma’s match-winning fifty, earning him Player of the Match. Rohit’s aggressive batting set India’s chase alight. Santner said, “He puts fear in bowlers… happy to hit bowlers off their lengths.” His approach disrupted New Zealand’s plans early.
On a slow pitch, Rohit’s run-a-ball 70-80 was exceptional. Santner noted, “You put yourself ahead of the game.” India’s powerplay dominance left New Zealand reeling. Rohit’s deeper innings this time proved decisive. Santner acknowledged his occasional failures but lauded his impact. This knock underlined why Rohit thrives in big finals.
Santner on New Zealand’s Near Comeback
Santner recalled a moment when New Zealand almost turned the tide. After India’s 105-0 start, they slipped to 122-3 in 46 balls. Santner and Bracewell’s spin triggered the collapse. He said, “We started to squeeze, and you could feel something happening.”
An animated chat at the drinks break sparked the fightback. Santner noted, “We just needed to get Rohit Sharma out.” The pitch favored spinners, and they capitalized briefly. India recovered, but this phase showed New Zealand’s grit. Santner’s leadership shone, proving their ability to challenge even in tough spots. However, India also played well in the semi-final against Australia, so KL Rahul’s contribution was crucial.
Bracewell to Lead New Zealand vs Pakistan
Michael Bracewell will captain New Zealand in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan. This marks his first home leadership stint, following a tour in Pakistan last year. Only seven Champions Trophy squad members feature this time. IPL commitments rule out Santner, Conway, Ferguson, Phillips, Ravindra, and Jacobs.
Bracewell said, “It’s a great honour and a real privilege to captain your country.” Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and James Neesham return from the T20 leagues. Ish Sodhi and Ben Sears bolster the squad after absences. Bracewell aims to build on Santner’s work. The series tests his leadership against a strong foe.
Bracewell on Facing Dangerous Pakistan
Bracewell is excited to lead against a formidable Pakistan side. He said, “Pakistan is always a dangerous short-form side with power and pace.” Having captained in Pakistan before, he knows the challenge. Many players from that tour return, offering familiarity. Bracewell wants to maintain New Zealand’s positive vibe, which made them do well in the semi-final against South Africa.
He added, “We’ve loved all of the support we’ve received from afar.” Playing at home excites him after the Dubai campaign. Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit fuels their hunger. Bracewell’s enthusiasm and experience will drive the team. This series is a chance to shine on home soil.
New Zealand’s T20I Squad Updates
New Zealand’s T20I squad for Pakistan blends continuity and change. IPL duties sideline Santner, Conway, Ferguson, Phillips, Ravindra, and Jacobs. Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and James Neesham return from the T20 leagues. Ish Sodhi rejoins after missing the Sri Lanka series. Ben Sears recovers from a hamstring injury to bolster the pace attack.
Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke play only the first three games for workload management. The squad lists Bracewell (c), Allen, Chapman, Duffy, Foulkes (games 4-5), Hay, Henry (games 4-5), Jamieson (games 1-3), Mitchell, Neesham, O’Rourke (games 1-3), Robinson, Sears, Seifert, and Sodhi. This mix aims for balance and freshness.
Pakistan’s Squad Shakes Up for NZ Tour
Pakistan revamps its squads for the New Zealand tour, signaling bold changes. Salman Agha captains the T20I side, replacing Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Both stars are dropped from the T20I lineup entirely. In the ODIs, Shaheen Afridi is absent, but Rizwan retains captaincy.
Agha serves as his deputy in the 50-over format. These shifts follow poor showings in the tri-series and Champions Trophy. Pakistan seeks a fresh approach to turn their fortunes. Agha’s leadership will be tested against a resilient New Zealand. Rizwan’s ODI role has remained under pressure since his recent form. The tour offers a chance to rebuild.
Conclusion
Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell showcase New Zealand’s enduring cricket ethos. Despite defeat, Santner’s pride in their Champions Trophy fight reflects a team that never quits. His analysis of key moments—Rohit’s brilliance, Henry’s absence, and their near comeback—offers hope for growth. Though they lost against India in CT 2025, the site has quality and has always performed well in ICC Events.
Bracewell, stepping up against Pakistan, brings fresh energy to a reshuffled squad. Pakistan’s bold squad changes signal a fierce contest ahead. As New Zealand chases that elusive ICC white-ball title, their resilience and adaptability stand out. The Pakistan series is the next step in their journey.
