Though Sunday’s final Group A fixture between India and New Zealand is largely inconsequential considering both teams have qualified for the semifinals, Kiwi all-rounder Michael Bracewell believes in approaching the game as a knockout tie.
“I think it’s always a challenge getting through to the semifinals and then once you get there it’s a one-off match and then another one-off match. If we can look at this like another play-off match then we’re going to put ourselves in a good position to win critical moments,” said Bracewell, who took four for 26 against Bangladesh in the previous game to be adjudged the Player of the match.
“Anytime you take on India at an ICC event, it’s always a big occasion. We are excited, and if you can win, then it takes a lot of momentum through to that semifinal.”
The off-spinner has been economical in Black Caps’ first two games against Pakistan and Bangladesh, scalping five wickets while going at an impressive 3.20 runs per over. Bracewell, alongside skipper Mitchell Santner and fellow off-spinner Glenn Philips could challenge India on the Dubai surface which has aided the tweakers.
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The 34-year-old is also confident that New Zealand’s squad has the depth to play in all conditions, considering it will return to Pakistan for the semifinals.
“I think we have a pretty well-balanced side to play in any conditions, so hopefully we can continue to do that and adjust to what’s in front of us. I think that’s been the strength of our side: adjusting to the surface and throwing different looks at teams suited to that surface. So hopefully we continue to do that,” he added.
Last year, New Zealand handed India its first 3-0 whitewash in Tests on home soil, and Bracewell remarked the team would look to take that confidence into this encounter.
“We don’t like to put too much pressure on ourselves. Coming off a great Test series win gives us a lot of confidence. We have got a really good record against India in ICC events. We just try to play our style of cricket, and it seems to be a good matchup so far. We will just keep trying to do that, sticking to our game plan, trying to figure out the conditions and then applying pressure that way,” said Bracewell.