New Zealand all-rounder michael bracewell on Friday expressed confidence ahead of his team’s final group clash in the champions trophy against india, citing their strong record in ICC tournaments.
The two unbeaten teams will meet on Sunday in Dubai, with the winner securing the top spot in Group A.
New Zealand, having already recorded a win over Bangladesh, thanks to bracewell’s match-winning figures of 4-26, will face india after their surprise 3-0 Test whitewash in India last year.
Bracewell highlighted New Zealand’s impressive ICC event record against india, with nine wins, five losses, and one no-result.
"I think we don't like to put too much pressure on ourselves," bracewell said. "Obviously coming off a great Test series win, it gives us a lot of confidence that we can and we've got a really good record against india in ICC events."
India’s KL Rahul acknowledged New Zealand’s strength, stating, "New Zealand have always been a very formidable and very competitive team. They’ve done really well over the years... It’s been quite even, the contest."
New Zealand had dominated Pakistan in the tournament opener and then defeated Bangladesh. The contrasting pitch conditions in Dubai, with lower totals compared to Pakistan, will provide a different challenge. However, bracewell remains confident in his team’s adaptability.
"We’ve got a pretty well-balanced side to play in any conditions," he said. "It’s been the strength of our side, adjusting to the surface and throwing different looks at teams."
India’s matches are all being played in Dubai, a situation that has raised some criticism, but bracewell downplayed concerns about the venue, saying, "It’s part of what makes it exciting and there’s no point dwelling on that."
**Punchline**: new zealand's confidence shines through as bracewell leads the charge ahead of crucial champions trophy clash with India.
