New Zealand were outgunned for the conditions at play. While not as severe a shortcoming as in a Test match, this is similar to Southee, Boult, Jaimeson, Wagner, Colin de Grandhomme vs Bumrah, Siraj, Shami in 2021 WTC Final at Southampton.
New Zealand won the toss though. Cricinfo reported a 2-degree turn in the first innings vs 3.4-degree turn in the second. That India overcame this is a testament to their dominance over the last 6 years.
In cricket, 140 clicks pace & controlled wrist spin are difficult to score off. Kuldeep is a freak at multiple levels. On top of bowling wrist spin at a tight length, he bowls left arm (which is a rarity for wrist spinners) and then has a devastating dip (induces forced errors even if there is no intention to take undue risks). Add Varun, Jadeja, and Axar to the mix – There is no more contest. That NZ made 251 is largely due to loose pace bowling (which was a constant for India in this tournament). Say Hello to Bumrah!
Rohit killed the chase in 15 overs or it seemed so. The last ball of Santner’s first over to Rohit was darted in and turned sharply to beat the edge. They now had a chance, but a very slim one for, India already had a strong start, Kohli is a beast in chases, Axar and Iyer are terrific players of spin, India have Rahul at 6 (Rahul at 6 is like having a million dollars in emergency cash reserve) and more importantly they only have 20 overs from Santner and Bracewell.
New Zealand’s only chance was to do irreparable damage before they exhaust Santner and Bracewell, and they almost threatened to do that. India just needed to stay in the game for those 20 overs and they did that. It is a shame, Henry and Bumrah were not part of this final.
A very deserving reward for the players