Follow UsNew Zealand captain Mitchell Santner says that the composition of his side will not change much for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final clash against South Africa in Lahore on March 5 (Wednesday).
There might not be as much spin on offer compared to Dubai, but Santner feels that the current combination is good enough to play even on the surface Gaddafi has to offer.
"I think, I guess for our squad, I think we're lucky we've got a few all-rounders that can bowl spin. So, it was obviously handy in Dubai. But then, over here, we've seen a bit more pace and bounce for the faster bowler. So, I don't think our team will change too much," Santner said ahead of the semi-final clash.
"It's just, I think we're lucky with a few spin options as well. We've seen I guess in the first game we played against Pakistan there was a little bit of spin, but yeah it obviously carried through as well. So yeah I guess we'll see tomorrow how it shapes up, but I think it's generally going to be a pretty good wicket. Just have to be on it with the ball and then see what happens at the back."
However, Santner also says that he would like to play the final in Dubai, given that there is much more spin on offer there. The only way New Zealand can play in Dubai is if his side and India qualify for the final. "I guess first things first is try to get there and we'll see," Santner said.
"I guess for me, it probably spins a bit more in Dubai, so it'd be nice to go there. But I think whatever happens tomorrow, and then we'll obviously wait and see what happens today and who we're going to play, but yeah, I think to make a final is obviously a pretty cool feeling, so I don't think it matters too much."
Santner also admits that scheduling has been an issue throughout this tournament but his side is professional enough and there's not much fuss about it.
"I think scheduling is an issue just all around. I think when you do have time to rest and recover, I think it's very important with the quick turnaround of games. One-day cricket can be quite exhausting on the body, so I think for us today, it might be making sure the bowlers are ready for tomorrow," Santner said.
"I can't imagine they'll be doing much today, just getting ready. I think yeah I mean I don't know what you can change I think with the heavy international schedule, franchise schedule and then trying to schedule ICC events, it can be quite a challenge. Logistically, it looks like a bit of a challenge at times, but I think everyone's professional about it. As long as you're ready for the game and be good to go and then yeah, making sure recovery is quite important."
New Zealand have been in Pakistan since the start of February and are well accustomed to the conditions. In fact, they have also played a couple of matches in Lahore, which is certainly an added advantage, which their head coach, Gary Stead, also acknowledges.
Santner also feels the Black Caps can use it to their advantage and continue their run in the tournament. "First things first, at the start of the tournament, obviously, the first goal was to make it to the semi-finals. We’ve had some good prep and we've been playing some good cricket," Santner, who took over the captaincy from Kane Williamson after the T20 World Cup last year, said.
"So, I don't think anything has to change. We know South Africa are a great side. They've been playing well, as they always do in these tournaments. So yeah, we know it's going to be a challenge come tomorrow, but I think what we've been doing is been good. We've been doing a lot of good stuff. Obviously, the last game against India was on a very different surface.
"So, we know we've got experience here on the surface. We know South Africa shape up well, but I think it's obviously a knockout. It's just whoever can turn up on the day and hopefully that's us tomorrow."
New Zealand have been in excellent in the last three 50-over ICC events, where they have made to finals and two semi-final appearances. They have a great chance of making it to their third final in ICC events in this period with a win over South Africa on Wednesday.