'New Zealand don't fear India': Australia veterans back Santner's men to spoil the hosts' party in T20 World Cup final

Nathan Lyon also weighed in on the final, backing New Zealand to come out on top while highlighting the influence of their captain Mitchell Santner.

Updated on: Mar 7, 2026, 09:54:24 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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The T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand has captured the attention of the cricketing world, with both sides overcoming tough moments in the Super 8 stage before delivering commanding performances in the semi-finals to book their place at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Earlier this year, India had the upper hand when the two teams met in a five-match T20I series at home, sealing a dominant 4-1 win. But a global final brings its own pressure and unpredictability. India will also be up against history, with no host nation ever lifting the T20 World Cup trophy and no side having successfully defended the title so far.

India will face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final. (PTI)

Meanwhile, the recent history suggests that New Zealand know exactly where to hurt India. Over the past couple of years, the Black Caps have beaten India in home series in both Tests and ODIs, scripting a rare feat and handing Gautam Gambhir’s side a major embarrassment.

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin believes Finn Allen, who smashed a century against South Africa in the semis, could prove to be the biggest threat to India in the T20 World Cup final, warns that the explosive opener has the ability to single-handedly change the game if he finds his rhythm early.

"If he (Finn Allen) gets going in the final, he is one player who can ruin India's party on their home soil. If I was India coming into the tournament, the one team I wouldn't have wanted to play in the final is New Zealand," Haddin said on Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.

Also Read - Superstition plagues India ahead of the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad against New Zealand?

Haddin believes New Zealand will not be intimidated by the conditions in India, insisting the Black Caps have already shown they can challenge the hosts on their own turf in the recent matches.

"New Zealand don't fear India in home conditions. They've beaten them in a Test series here. So if they can go in with that mindset and Fin Allen can play with that freedom as he has, they can put some real pressure on India. I am going with New Zealand," he added.

“I am going to go with New Zealand in the final”

Former Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon also weighed in on the final, backing New Zealand to come out on top while highlighting the influence of their captain Mitchell Santner, with the ball against the India national cricket team.

"I am going to go with New Zealand in the final. The biggest key for India is the way they play Mitchell Santner. He is the captain on the side and has been very economical, especially on these pitches," Lyon said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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