IND vs NZ: "The Kiwis, They Never Stay Down"- Zaheer Khan Feels It Won't Be Easy For India Against New Zealand

From the heartbreaking World Test Championship loss last year to the 2019 World Cup semifinal loss, New Zealand have unquestionably established itself as India’s adversary. 

New Zealand’s fabled rivalry against India could be traced back to the year 2000. Team India were up against the Kiwis in the final of the Champions Trophy. They pulled off a last-gasp master class to decimate the Indian side. 

After defeating the reigning champion South Africa and the global champion Australia, the Sourav Ganguly-led squad advanced to the championship game. However, if you are unable to handle the strain of a thrilling final match, records and history are not really important.

In The Last Few Years, It Has Not Been Easy For Us Against New Zealand: Zaheer Khan

India was unable to hold on to a respectable total of 264 runs as the Kiwis thrillingly scored the winning runs in the game’s final over in Nairobi. Chris Cairns, an all-around player for New Zealand, scored a fantastic unbeaten century in the championship game to lead his team to an incredible victory. 

Zaheer Khan, who was playing his debut tournament at that point, had conceded 54 runs in that nerve-racking clash.

Zaheer, while talking about that game, recalled, “All we had to do was beat New Zealand and the cup was ours. At 132 for five, we thought we had them. But New Zealand snatched it from us in the last overs. I was shattered.” 

But it was just the beginning. As Zaheer quite astutely sums up, “In the last few years it has not been easy for us against New Zealand.” 

This time, the scene will be a little different. When Team India plays New Zealand in the white-ball tour, which is set to begin on November 18, they will be looking to redeem themselves. Team India is led by a youthful and promising group of cricketers. The “Men in Blue” also have sufficient motivation to make a difference this time around. 

Also Read: IND vs NZ: Indian Cricket Will Benefit Significantly From MS Dhoni’s Involvement And Presence- Salman Butt