Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has warned Virat Kohli & Co. about New Zealand’s fighting spirit ahead of the crucial meeting between India and the Black Caps at the ICC World T20 2021 on Tuesday. Khan, who played an instrumental role in India’s 2011 World Cup title triumph, was all praise for the Kane Williamson-led side even after the Black Caps suffered a defeat at the hands of Babar Azam’s Pakistan.
Azam’s high-flying Pakistan battled past Williamson-led New Zealand to extend their winning run in the 2021 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup at Sharjah. Speed merchant Haris Rauf bagged his career-best figures to help Pakistan register a five-wicket win over New Zealand in the low-scoring encounter. Azam’s Pakistan side has emerged as strong title contenders after defeating India and Pakistan in the Super 12s phase of the World T20.
Reflecting on New Zealand’s below-par performance against Pakistan, former Indian pacer Khan lauded the enthusiasm shown by the Black Caps. Speaking to Cricbuzz after Pakistan’s gritty win over the Black Caps, Khan highlighted that New Zealand tested the batting strength of the Green Army despite setting up a paltry total at the Sharjah Cricket Ground.
“One thing is sure is that New Zealand wants to win every match and have great enthusiasm. Yes, the Pakistan result didn’t go their way, but the fight that they showed was brilliant. They didn’t score many runs in the first innings, but the effort that they put in the bowling and fielding, states that they never ever lose their hope. And India should be wary about it,” Khan said.
With India suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Pakistan, the Kohli-led side will enter their next fixture under do-or-die conditions. Kohli-led Team India will hope to bounce back when the Men In Blue lock horns with New Zealand on Sunday. Team India will play their next World Cup match against New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium.
“We all know that if India plays to their potential, no team will find it easy to stand against. It is always important for a side to catch up the winning momentum at the earliest, especially in the World Cup. This time India have lost their first match and should make sure it isn’t too late. The next game against New Zealand is a do or die one,” he added.
