New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed his joy after his team secured a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. Following their victory over Bangladesh, Santner lauded the team’s disciplined bowling effort, stating, “I’m happy to qualify for the semi-finals. The way we handled things with the ball was outstanding.”
Bracewell Shines in the Middle Overs
Santner acknowledged the challenge of taking wickets during the middle overs in ODI cricket, but he was particularly impressed with Michael Bracewell’s performance. “Bracewell bowled exceptionally well. He has now become a top-quality bowler,” Santner remarked. He also highlighted Bracewell’s effectiveness against right-handed batters.
Dew Factor Had Minimal Impact
Discussing the match conditions, Santner noted that there was some dew on the field, but it did not significantly affect the game. “There was some dew, but it had little impact on the game,” he remarked.
India Match Presents a Different Challenge
Looking ahead to the upcoming clash against India, Santner acknowledged that it would be a tougher challenge. “The clash with India will be a whole new challenge, requiring us to adjust to distinct conditions. The pitch could be slower in that game,” he explained.
With their semi-final spot secured, New Zealand now shifts its focus to preparing for a high-stakes encounter against India.
