‘It is what it is’ – Kane Williamson makes honest remark on playing CT2025 final vs India in Dubai

New Zealand will head to Dubai to play the finals of Champions Trophy against India on Sunday. The Kiwis had already met India in the final group game of the tournament at the same venue and post by 44 runs. Former skipper Kane Williamson was asked to give his views about the match in Dubai. 

The 34-year-old Kiwi batter while speaking to the media said, “It is what it is. You know, it’s just not something we’re closely looking at, it’s about the cricket we want to play, and we’ll take into account, obviously, the opposition, but be nice and smart coming into the final. Obviously, we have played India once there, the conditions are different.”

The former Kiwi skipper also said, “So, it’s important that we try and take away some of those positives and be nice and clear about how we’re trying to operate come two or three days’ time in the finals.” One of the biggest concerns for the Kiwis is the fitness of pacer Matt Henry who had injured himself. Addressing the media, Williamson said, “We missed him while he had his little injury for a while there.”

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson lead New Zealand into CT2025 finals

It was New Zealand who batted first and scored a massive 362 on the board. Rachin Ravindra smashed 108 runs while Kane Williamson scored 102 runs. In reply, David Miller was the best batter for South Africa with 100 not out as the Proteas failed to reach their target. 

ICC quoted Rachin Ravindra as saying, “It was nice to build a partnership first with Youngy and then Kane," he said in the post match presentation. "That is what helped me the most, being able to work with the guys in the team. Kane started accelerating so nicely.” Both batters put the Proteas bowlers to the sword with their aggressive batting. 

Ravindra has already scored two tons in this tournament which makes him the fastest batter to score five tons in ICC events. When asked to give his views on the huge final against India, Ravindra said, “We'll reflect on today and chill out a bit tonight and then once we get to Dubai, start switching on."