NEW DELHI: India, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan are in the same group for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, across Pakistan and Dubai. India will begin their campaign in Dubai on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a high-stakes clash with Pakistan on February 23, before facing New Zealand on March 2.
Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, called India as strong contenders and wouldn’t mind seeing them face the BlackCaps in the final.
“It’d be nice. India are a strong side when it comes to world events and are always there near the end. So yeah, I’m sure they’ll be a dangerous side throughout, and hopefully, New Zealand will be there as well. I hope New Zealand makes it to the final,” Southee told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
Since its inception in 1998, India have won the Champions Trophy twice.
The first title came in 2002 when, under Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy, India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners after the final in Colombo was washed out.
The second title came in 2013, with MS Dhoni leading India to victory, beating hosts England in the final.
India came close again in 2017, reaching the final but falling short against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, a team known for exceeding expectations in major tournaments, claimed their only Champions Trophy title in 2000. Led by Stephen Fleming, they secured a memorable four-wicket victory over India in the final.
The last high-stakes ICC clash between India and New Zealand took place in the World Test Championship final, where the Kiwis outclassed India by eight wickets to lift the trophy.
“It’s a great tournament, with the top eight sides competing for the trophy. It’s a short, sharp tournament, and it always has been. I’ve always enjoyed the ones I’ve played in. So, hopefully, New Zealand can do well in that and, I guess, add to our silverware,” Southee said.
“We have a great group of players coming through—players who have played a lot of cricket together. I think the ability to play as a team in world events, as well as in other games, is crucial. So I think, yeah, it’s about the style of play we’ve developed and having a group of players who have spent a lot of time playing together,” he said.