NZ vs IND: Top 3 bowlers to watch out for in New Zealand vs India Champions Trophy match 12

India and New Zealand will battle each other in the final group phase match of Champions Trophy on Sunday. The winner of the game will finish top of the table and take on Australia in the semi-finals. The loser of the game will take on South Africa in the other semi-finals of the tournament. 

New Zealand came into the tournament high on confidence after having won the tri-series in Pakistan. Mitchell Santner’s side played well to win both their games against Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Kiwis will also have their confidence high after having beaten India at their own backyard and achieving a rare series whitewash win. 

Indian bowlers have done well so far in this tournament and have bowled out their opposition twice. Neither Pakistan or Bangladesh could bat out the entire fifty overs against India. The game on Sunday could see the spinners come to the fore once again. Dubai has been helpful for the spinners and the likes of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav have bowled well so far. 

Here are the top 3 bowlers to watch out for in the NZ vs IND game in Champions Trophy Match 12

3. Harshit Rana 

Indian pacer Harshit Rana was a surprise starter in the game against Bangladesh. Many felt that Arshdeep Singh was a better choice compared to Rana. The 23-year-old though has proved the critics wrong with his amazing bowling in the tournament. Rana has picked four wickets from two matches so far. The youngster has bowled with good speed and control and has also used the slower ball very well. Rana picked 3/31 versus Bangladesh and then took one wicket in the key match against Pakistan. 

2. William O Rourke 

One of the best upcoming pacers in world cricket, William O Rourke, has already picked five wickets in the tournament. The 23-year-old began with 3/47 in the game against Pakistan which included the wickets of Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Khushdil Shah. This was followed by two wickets against Bangladesh. Rourke has good memories of playing against India where he bowled out the hosts for 46 in Bengaluru. 

1. Michael Bracewell 

Veteran spinner Michael Bracewell was the best bowler for New Zealand in the game against Bangladesh. The 34-year-old picked a single wicket against Pakistan but followed it up with 4/26 in the game against Bangladesh. The pitches in Dubai will favor Bracewell who tends to bowl at the stumps and also can deceive the batter with his flight. Indian batting which was once known for its ability to play spin has been found wanting on several occasions in recent times. Michael Bracewell could exploit this and be a potential match winner.