Kamal Ghorui
Mitchell Santner has urged fans in New Zealand to wake up early and support New Zealand during the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The match will begin at 2:30 am in New Zealand.The New Zealand captain asked supporters back home to set their alarms and follow the final even though it will take place early in the morning.“KIA ORA AOTEAROA BLACKCAPS captain Mitch Santner here. Sorry to disturb you on a Sunday. Now, I’m not really one for big speeches or rallying cries. But I did want to remind you all about our ICC T20 World Cup Final against India in Ahmedabad on Monday morning (2.30am NZT).”
Santner also pointed out that his team will be outnumbered by Indian supporters at the venue.“It’s fair to say we’re a bit outnumbered over here – 1.4 billion team India fans and all that. And I’m pretty sure most of the 130,000 seat Narendra Modi Stadium will be cheering for them too. But that’s all good – because we know back home you’ll have our backs,” said Santner.He encouraged fans to make time to watch the match, even if it means reaching work or school late.“Although you’re not with us – we see the photos, the posts, we hear the stories, and we know about the late nights & early starts. We feel your aroha. We get it – the final is super early Monday morning. But set your alarm and get around us one more time. And if you’re bit late to work or school, please pass on my message to your boss or teachers. Cheers Aotearoa – we’ll be home soon – hopefully with some extra luggage,” said the all-rounder.Santner ended his message saying the team hopes to return home with the trophy.“Aotearoa,” a Māori word, means “land of the long white clouds”. On Sunday night, India will hope those clouds over Motera turn decidedly dark for the visitors.Earlier, Santner had also said New Zealand would aim to “silence” the crowd in Ahmedabad, where a large number of India supporters are expected at the stadium.India, meanwhile, are chasing several milestones in the final. They are aiming to become the first host nation to win the T20 World Cup, the first team to defend the title, and the first to win the tournament three times.India have reached the T20 World Cup final four times, the most by any team. Out of the nine previous finals, six were won by the team chasing. Of the remaining three, India won two — in 2007 and 2024 — both in matches decided in the final over.
