Champions Trophy, Feb 19 - March 9

[sussexpob]

No offence to our Indian lads, but I would like to see NZ take a tournament for a change. But I will settle for a good game none the less.

Been a rare success for an ICC tournament. The balance of overkill and leaving me wanting more has been spot on. Some good quality play included.....

To preserve its position in the game, I can't see why the WC format shouldn't be changed to the CT one. Host it every 2 years rather than two different competitions. Have a two year ODI qualification period where the non-test nations meet the lesser test nations, and then the bottom half of the table faces each other to qualify. Breathe a bit of life into it

[Arthur Crabtree]

A year or so ago it looked like NZ were in decline. But they overhauled the side pretty well.

[andy]

NZ win toss and bat first! Matt Henry ruled out!!!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Bit of a blow.

India again spin heavy.

[andy]

Off to a flyer 37-0 after 5

[andy]

Which becomes 77-3

[Arthur Crabtree]

Spin soon put a stop to that.

[andy]

Kuldeep spinning a web! We saw previously here though 280 was very competitive so if they can get a score they have a very good bowling attack too

[sussexpob]

If anything, I think this tournament in many ways has re-enforced the importance of having a quality player in the middle overs who can tie up an end, and if you have 2 (or even three in India's case)

And there we go. Kuldeep and Axar killing this innings after the front line bowlers.

[backfootpunch]

Latham and Mitchell really struggling to rotate the strike

But they also can't afford to get out

Tough period for new Zealand

[sussexpob]

Yeah, this game feels like its already over

[backfootpunch]

And the pressure gets latham out

Sweeping jadeja never a good idea as he bowls so straight

[backfootpunch]

It hasn't really spun much so new Zealand are going to need a strong finish

250 absolute minimum then hope the pressure gets to india

But 280 is probably par

[backfootpunch]

Phillips gets out at a very bad time

Can't help but feeling that is game over unless mitchell makes a hundred

[backfootpunch]

Average spin when these teams met in the group stage 3.4 degrees

Today just 2 degrees

This just looks a poor score unfortunately