India’s familiarity with conditions played a crucial role in their 44-run victory over New Zealand in the final Group A match of the Champions Trophy. Pacer Matt Henry admitted that India’s spin quartet, particularly Varun Chakravarthy, put his team under constant pressure throughout the game.
“We knew they were going to play four frontline spinners and they bowled beautifully,” Henry said. “They read the situation and conditions well, which was a challenge for us.”
Chakravarthy was the most impressive spinner, taking 5/42 as India set up a semifinal clash with Australia. He extracted turn and pace from the ball, creating pressure on the Kiwis right throughout.
Henry praised New Zealand’s pacers for putting India under pressure early, but wants his team to replicate that against South Africa in the semifinals. “We’ll take our learning from here and apply them back in Lahore,” he said.
The key to success for Henry’s team is adapting to conditions and getting opponents to take tough options. If they can maintain this approach, they believe it will help them take wickets throughout the game and make a difference at the back end.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/indias-familiarity-with-conditions-helped-as-spin-quartet-put-us-under-pressure-matt-henry-9865581