Kane Williamson weighs in on India's 'Dubai advantage' controversy ahead of CT 2025 final

Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has opened up on India playing only in Dubai ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final match. Kane Williamson stated that New Zealand are not worried about Team India's advantage, adding that the Blackcaps must concentrate on their own game.

New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 5. Following the victory, the Kiwis qualified for their third Champions Trophy final. The Mitchell Santner-led team will face India in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on March 9.

It Was Nice to Have That Last Match Against India - Kane Williamson

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kane Williamson dismissed concerns about India's advantage of playing all their matches in Dubai. Williamson said that conditions vary throughout a tournament and praised India as an outstanding team. He added that anything can happen in a big game.

"Yeah definitely the conditions are a lot different but you know that's sort of the nature of the beast I think in any tournament that you have, conditions change a little bit throughout. For us, it was nice to have that last match against India," Williamson said.

"There's some really good bits there. India are an outstanding team and playing really well. So, look, it's important we try and take away some learnings from that last game. Park this match, and in a final, anything can happen. And it was a great atmosphere last game and I'm sure it'll be a good one again," he added.

We're Looking Forward to the Final - Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson remained unfazed about India playing all their matches in Dubai. He admitted that India have experience playing in Dubai but added that New Zealand would focus on the final and adapt to the conditions.

"It is what it is (India playing in Dubai). Our focus is the next match, the location of that match, the opposition, they're all factors. Obviously, we played India there once," Williamson continued.

"The conditions are different, so it's important that we try and take away some of those positives and be nice and clear in how we're trying to operate come two- or three-days’ time in the final. It's the nature of it and we're looking forward to the final and excited about it," he added.

New Zealand Defeated by India in Champions Trophy 2025 Group-Stage Match

India and New Zealand last played against each other in the final group-stage match. The Men in Blue secured a 44-run victory on a spin-friendly Dubai pitch. Varun Chakravarthy dismantled New Zealand's batting lineup with a five-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson scored a fighting 81-run knock.

Heading into the final, New Zealand’s batting has been in top form, with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell making key contributions in the semi-final. However, India’s spin attack, featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Chakravarthy, could once again trouble the Kiwi batters in the final.

New Zealand, known for their performance in ICC tournaments, will be eager to avenge their group-stage loss and claim their maiden Champions Trophy title.

Also read: Pakistan set to host another major ICC tournament after Champions Trophy 2025