07 March,2026 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Atharva Upasani
Mitchell Santner (Pic: ICC)
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner has admitted that he would like to silence over one lakh people at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the eve of the T20 World Cup final. Speaking to the media ahead of the game on Sunday, Santner admitted that he is expecting a sea of blue in Ahmedabad, as India aim to defend their title against the Kiwis.
"I wouldn't mind winning a trophy. We are pretty consistent. If we do our little things well, it'll put us in a good position. I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts," said Santner.
New Zealand dismantled South Africa in the semi-final, chasing 173 runs in under 13 overs. Finn Allen was the star of the show as he scored a hundred in just 33 balls to guide the Kiwis to a 9-wicket win. The New Zealand skipper expects another lively, high-scoring wicket for the final.
"Wicket is going to be flat. High scoring.T20 is a fickle format. Little moments in the game can change the outcome. If we go about our business, we can upset them. India have a lot of pressure to win this. Let's see what happens." Santner added.
The free-scoring Finn Allen could be the point of difference between the two teams in the final. The Kiwi opener is in sublime touch, with his aggressive approach being the key for New Zealand. If India could get Allen early, it could be a big turning point in the match, and the battle between Allen and Jasprit Bumrah could determine the outcome of the final.
Speaking to the media ahead of the match, New Zealand skipper Santner hailed Bumrah as 'a world-class bowler'. The Kiwi captain has worked with the Indian spearhead at close quarters during their time together at the Mumbai Indians. Santner also praised Varun Chakaravarthy on the eve of the final.
"Bumrah should be in everyone's conversation. Against England, he was the game-changer. A world-class bowler. Varun is a very good bowler. He's one game away from breaking the tie."
New Zealand will start the match as the underdogs, as all eyes will be on India in front of a jam-packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Santner and his New Zealand team will aim to replicate what their neighbours, Australia, did in Ahmedabad in 2023, and break Indian hearts.
