Bracewell says ‘Kiwi ingenuity’ got NZ to Champions Trophy final

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell believes “Kiwi ingenuity” has got the Black Caps to the Champions Trophy final against India on Sunday in Dubai.

The side are ranked No.4 in the world and were on the sixth line of betting across cricket bookmakers heading into the tournament, yet find themselves in the championship match.

This is not the first time a similar situation has unfolded in ICC tournaments for New Zealand, with the Black Caps also defying cricket betting odds to make the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cup finals, the 2021 T20 World Cup final and win the 2019-2021 World Test Championship.

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When asked how his country keeps punching above their weight, Bracewell credits the team’s unique culture and teamwork.

“Kiwi ingenuity is a real thing,” he said.

“You just try to find a way and everyone mucks in.

“I think that’s a real strength of our group.

“Everyone in our team is willing to help out and make sure that we’re all ready to go.

“I think that creates a really great bond between the team.

“I guess that puts us in good stead when we’re in those tough situations as well. We really understand each other’s game.”

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As expected, New Zealand head into Sunday’s final as heavy underdogs, paying $3 at BetOnline to upset world No.1 India, who return just $1.40 to win.

Bracewell thinks that the Black Caps’ calm approach under captain Mitchell Santner holds them in good stead to once again upset the applecart, however.

“I think Mitch Santner, in particular in this tournament, has been amazing at keeping the team nice and calm and not getting overawed by a situation,” he said.

“It’s definitely something that we focus on as a team is not getting too high or too low and just taking it as it comes.

“But also [we understand] that there’s important moments and we need to try and win those moments.”

With six wickets and 135 dot balls already this Champions Trophy, Bracewell will be hoping for a strong showing himself to contribute to the Kiwi cause.

The 34-year-old is well back in the markets to be New Zealand’s top batsman ($13) or bowler ($6.50) at top Australian bookmakers.

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