ISLAMABAD: Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has named the New Zealand cricket team the “dark horse” for the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to take place from February 19, primarily in Pakistan.
On X (formerly Twitter), Gupta praised New Zealand’s strong team dynamics, stating, “They look such a compact team, almost made for the subcontinent conditions,” and adding, “They will be the dark horse this Champions Trophy.”
New Zealand will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign with a match against Pakistan on February 19. A few days ago, Gupta emphasized that it would be unwise to underestimate New Zealand in the highly anticipated tournament.
Gupta further highlighted New Zealand’s ODI strength in subcontinent conditions, mentioning, “Fresh look at the Kiwis in ODIs in subcontinent conditions – in India’s group along with Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.”
Acknowledging Glenn Phillips’ remarkable batting performance, where he smashed a blistering century, Gupta noted, “They are just toying with Pakistani bowling, Phillips is swatting sixes at will.”
He concluded, “As ever in any ICC tournament, it would be foolish to underestimate them in the Champions Trophy.”
