'It's going to be...' - Mitchell Santner predicts pitch conditions ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final encounter vs IND

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner pitch prediction has gone viral ahead of the upcoming match against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on March 8. The pitch conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, has always been under scrunity, especially after India's loss against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023. This time, reports suggest that a mix of red and black soil has been used to prepare the pitch for the finals. 

Ahead of the clash, Santner has revealed his predictions regarding the pitch, stating that they are expecting a high-scoring game. The Kiwis have an incredible batting line up along with some strong spin options, including the skipper himself. They can be a serious threat to the Indian batters since their weakness has been exposed lately. 

"Yeah, I mean I haven't had a look at the wicket yet, it's still under cover, but one can only assume it's going to be pretty flat and high scoring," Santner said at the press conference. 

The Kiwis have had not had a pretty memorable Supr 8 experience but a 33-ball century from Finn Allen in the semi-final helped them book a seat in the finals. The rest of the batters have contributed in perfect time along with the bowlers. Like South Africa, India's bowling attack might have a few loopholes but Bumrah has always been to the rescue and the Kiwis will have to aware of him. 

I wouldn't mind winning a trophy: Mitchell Santner

The Kiwis' skipper was asked about whether they would like to win the trophy or believe in having a good game is important to which he replied with a witty answer. New Zealand have not yet won a single T20 World Cup yet and this might be the year when they can lay their hands on the trophy. 

“I wouldn't mind winning a trophy. You look at this group and the groups that have been in the past, we are pretty consistent on these because we try not to get overawed by the situation or opponents. We go out there and do our thing. And as a unit, it's been no different this time. And again, it's going to be obviously a challenge where everyone knows we're probably not the favourites. But we don't mind,” Santner told reporters on Saturday.

Watch the video here:

Where to watch New Zealand vs India match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the New Zealand vs India match on March 8 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson: Who should open for India?