New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed confidence in his team’s preparations ahead of their crucial semi-final match against South Africa, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a pre-match press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, he emphasized the advantage of having quality all-rounders in the squad.
Santner remarked, “We are lucky to have all-rounders in our team. They provide great balance and options in different situations.”
Discussing the pitch conditions, he noted that the surface in Lahore remains favorable for a competitive contest.
“The pitch here is once again good. We have played on it before and are well-prepared for the challenge,” Santner added.
The New Zealand squad arrived in Lahore after a long journey, and Santner confirmed that his players have recovered and are ready for the upcoming match.
“We are aware of the challenges ahead and have the experience of playing here,” he said.
Comparing conditions to previous encounters, Santner pointed out that the pitch in Lahore differs from the one they faced against India in Dubai.
“The pitch here is different from the one we played on against India. We have good spin options, but pacers will also get support,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the New Zealand captain stressed the immediate goal of securing a spot in the final.
“First, we need to reach the final. Let’s see what happens in today’s semi-final result,” Santner concluded.