‘That fear is seen’ – Former Pakistan batter makes telling statement about New Zealand ahead of Champions Trophy final vs India

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has said that the Indian team has instilled fear in New Zealand ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy finals. The Kiwis made it to the finals after beating South Africa by 50 runs. New Zealand batted first and scored 362 with South Africa scoring 312/9 from with David Miller scoring a century. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali said, “India have instilled fear. Whether South Africa won or New Zealand, whoever would play the semifinal or final, that fear is seen. The way New Zealand kept changing bowling and made everyone bowl. They are preparing for it."

The former Pakistan player also said, “The set up which New Zealand and Santner made after winning the toss and batting first, they charged well. Now they will face quality spinners. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be dangerous. Varun has already performed so they will be scared. Kuldeep will have to bowl little quickly though. We will see how they tackle India but the pressure will be on New Zealand to face Indian spinners.”

‘Rohit Sharma lucky to have Virat Kohli’ – Basit Ali 

Just a day after India beat Australia in the first semi-final match, Basit Ali praised Virat Kohli scored 84 in the finals as Rohit Sharma’s side won the game by four wickets. The former India skipper was also named man of the match for his efforts. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel this is what Basit Ali had to say, “Rohit Sharma is very lucky to have Virat Kohli in his team. Even if he gets out on zero, he gives everything on the field. He gives advice to the captain. Everyone watches what he does. If the team needs support, he urges the crowd to cheer. A team that has a player like Virat Kohli can lose at times, but not for too long, because he knows how to perform.”

Finally while reviewing the second semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa, the former Pakistan batter said, “I agree that New Zealand won the toss and put up a mammoth score of 362. They scored 110 runs again in the last 10 overs. Phillips and Mitchell again showed how brilliant the Gaddafi pitch is. Indian batters will miss this. The kind of players they have - Rohit Sharma, Gill, Virat, Iyer. These top 4 could score 200 if they get in.”