Cricket

Dinesh Karthik picks New Zealand as India’s toughest opponent in Champions Trophy

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Dinesh Karthik has picked New Zealand as India’s toughest opponent in the Champions Trophy. New Zealand are always known to punch above their weight in the major ICC events and they have their wood on India in the big matches.

New Zealand had beaten India in the 2019 World Cup semifinals and also won the ICC Test Championship final in 2023 against Rohit Sharma’s team. On the other hand, India defeated the Blackcaps by 70 runs in the semifinal of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Pakistan are the other two teams in Group A of the Champions Trophy along with India and New Zealand.

“I think in Group A, India’s hardest opponent is going to be New Zealand. Yes. They are playing some very good cricket, and we also know how they have troubled us consistently in multi-nation tournaments,” Kartik said on Cricbuzz’s HeyCB with DK show.

Karthik reckons former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will be the key scalp for India as he always plays well under pressure.

“And I feel the key in New Zealand again will be Williamson’s wicket because he always plays well under pressure. So again, a key wicket for us will be Williamson. He is someone to watch out for,” Karthik added.

New Zealand recently won the ODI tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa and the Blackcaps will look to carry the good show in the eight-team tournament.

On the other hand, India recently won by 3-0 against England while playing in their own conditions.

India and New Zealand will take on each other on March 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20 whereas New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the tournament’s opener.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Robin Uthappa reflects on Kuldeep Yadav being left out of India’s playing 11 during ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa backed the team management’s decision to not play Kuldeep Yadav… Read More

August 7, 2025

Prasidh Krishna’s childhood coach lauds pacer for fine show in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna's childhood coach, P. Srinivasa Murthy, praised his ward for bowling… Read More

August 7, 2025

Sanjay Bangar hails Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in ENG vs IND 2025 series

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar praised Ravindra Jadeja for his consistent performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar… Read More

August 6, 2025

Parthiv Patel lauds KL Rahul, says he performed consistently till the fifth Test against England

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel praised KL Rahul for performing consistently throughout the five-match… Read More

August 6, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar reveals turning point in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes Joe Root’s dismissal late on the fourth day of the fifth… Read More

August 5, 2025

Siraj’s ‘Believe’ Moment Powers India to Famous Win at The Oval

For Mohammed Siraj, India’s dramatic six-run victory at The Oval on Monday began long before… Read More

August 5, 2025