Santner's Bittersweet Reflection on New Zealand's Global Final Heartache

Mitchell Santner expressed pride in New Zealand's Champions Trophy performance but felt bittersweet after another global final defeat. The Black Caps lost to India in Dubai, marking their fourth short-format final loss in a decade. Despite setbacks, the team showed resilience and determination throughout the campaign.

Mitchell Santner, the skipper of New Zealand's cricket team, reflected on a bittersweet conclusion to their Champions Trophy journey, following a defeat against India in the finals held in Dubai. This marks the Black Caps' fourth straight loss in short-format global tournaments over the last ten years.

In a post-match interview, Santner expressed both satisfaction and disappointment. He praised the team's perseverance and never-give-up attitude, acknowledging the challenges they faced, including injuries to key players like Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra, the latter named Player of the Tournament.

Despite losing to a formidable Indian side, Santner highlighted the contributions from both seasoned campaigners and younger players. Under his leadership, new to an event of such magnitude, the team embraced adversity without complaint, maintaining their commitment to performing at their best.

(With inputs from agencies.)