Kane Williamson vs Indian Spinners: The Key Duel to Watch in the Champions Trophy Final

The showdown between Indian spinners and Kane Williamson promises to be intense on a gripping Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) pitch, and beyond the personal duel, it could very well determine the outcome of the Champions Trophy final on Sunday. New Zealand is determined to end their 25-year wait for an ICC 50-over title, having last won the ICC Knockouts Trophy in Kenya in 2000, where they defeated India by four wickets. On the other hand, India is aiming to secure their second Champions Trophy title since 2013, and they might field four spinners and two pacers in the ICC showpiece final this Sunday.

The title clash could be played on the same pitch used in the match against Pakistan, where spinners found some assistance.

In this context, Kane Williamson’s exceptional adaptability and technical prowess will be crucial for New Zealand. He showcased his class with a masterful 81 in the final group match against India a few days ago.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead believes India will likely employ the four-spinner strategy in the final, which he described as “challenging.” “It’s probably what we expect them to do against us, but we also have four spinners in our squad, and we feel we’re well-balanced. Still, it’s always a challenge. Their spinners are very, very good, each in their own right.

“So, for us, it’s about being clear on our plans and figuring out if there’s a specific match-up we want to target. You never know, they (Indian spinners) might have an off-day, which could work to our advantage,” said Stead.

However, Stead also understands that rather than hoping for an off-day from the formidable Indian spin unit, it’s better to take them on directly.

“We have to adapt to what’s happening in the match, but all our batsmen will have their individual plans for how they want to counter them.”

This is especially true against Varun Chakravarthy, who has an endless repertoire of deliveries—wrong’uns, leg-breaks, scrambled seam deliveries, and faster seam-up ones.

In fact, he clean bowled Mitchell Santner with a 113 kmph seam-up delivery to end New Zealand’s resistance in the league match a few days ago.

“Sometimes, a bit of bravery is needed to take on those options, and we’re certainly up for that challenge. India brings that with their four very capable spinners,” he added.

Therefore, Stead will heavily rely on Williamson to counter the Indian spinners, as the 34-year-old has an impressive ODI record against spin—2952 runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 86.

“He’s a player who rises to the occasion and has done it many times for New Zealand in the past. Cricket is a game where runs aren’t guaranteed, but I know Kane will do everything to prepare well and score. He’s one of those rare players globally who can adapt to different pitches quickly.

“He seems to adapt faster than many others, so fingers crossed that Kane has a big day,” said Stead.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)