When New Zealand took on India in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, they faced a team in strong form and had to overcome a billion passionate fans whose support ensures that all the limelight is always on India.
They had defeated India twice in the past, but this time, they just couldn’t pull the strings, especially in the absence of their best pacer. Despite the loss, the team can take pride in their performance, as they
continue their supreme form in global tournaments.
Another Final In A Global ICC Event For The BlackCaps
The BlackCaps have been a consistent force in ICC events. In the last 10 years, they have reached five finals. Overall, this was their seventh ICC event final, winning two and losing five. While their win-loss ratio needs improvement, these figures clearly show that they have been the most consistent limited-overs team in the last decade.
This is a remarkable achievement for a country where cricket is the second-most popular sport after rugby and where the player pool is among the smallest among Test-playing nations, only ahead of Ireland and Zimbabwe.
BlackCaps Grabbing Worldwide Attention In Yet Another Mega ICC Tournament
New Zealand won the Triangular Trophy before the tournament and recorded a 3-2 win-loss record in the Champions Trophy.
Both of their defeats came against India, making their runner-up finish fitting. Their batting and bowling were consistent throughout the tournament. Matt Henry, who missed the final due to injury, was the
tournament’s top wicket-taker. Mitchell Santner arguably emerged as the best captain of the tournament, standing out with his strategic field placements, clever bowling changes, and leadership.
Key Strengths Of The BlackCaps Unit
Santner’s team’s batting was the most consistent among all teams, but India’s batting depth ultimately made the difference. The fact that Devon Conway couldn’t make the playing XI speaks volumes about their strong lineup. However, in the final, Indian spinners strangled their batting, a key reason they fell short on runs.
On the bowling front, Matt Henry was New Zealand’s best performer, followed by Mitchell Santner and Doug Bracewell. Kyle Jamieson showed glimpses of returning to form, but Will O’Rourke’s performance fell below expectations. In the final, New Zealand missed a specialist wicket-taking spinner who could have replaced Nathan Smith.
Where Must The BlackCaps Look To Improve?
Building spin depth should be New Zealand’s priority. India won the tournament with four specialist spinners, two of whom were all-rounders. New Zealand had only two frontline spin-bowling all-rounders, and the lack of a genuine third spinner proved costly in Dubai’s slow conditions. Could Ish Sodhi or someone like Jayden Lennox—the Central Districts left-arm spinner and a top wicket-taker in the Ford Trophy—have been picked?
Such selections become crucial when playing in Asian conditions.
The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly pitches will demand a formidable spin attack. Additionally, New Zealand’s batting core beyond Rachin Ravindra is aging, with most players over 30. Infusing young talent will be crucial in preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is just 32 months away.
The BlackCaps Are Definitely A Top-Class Unit
New Zealand has once again proven they are a top-class, all-format team. They dominated the triangular tournament and reached the Champions Trophy final.
Their next challenge is a limited-overs series at home against Pakistan. While they will be eager to continue their dominance, they will also be wary of Pakistan’s ability to bounce back in tough conditions.
