India vs New Zealand: Dead rubber of contrast, subplots

An India win will set up a semi-final versus Australia while a loss will pit them against toppers South Africa

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DUBAI: There's a certain amount of heaviness that tournaments bring, thrusting on players that anxiety. The what ifs that can clog your mind, particularly in knockout matches. One team against whom India haven't handled these emotions very well are New Zealand. Rohit Sharma's side will be happy that they are facing the Kiwis in a match in the Champions Trophy they would want to win, but a loss won't send them packing.

Both India and New Zealand have tamed Pakistan and Bangladesh, fairly convincingly. Quite clearly, Pakistan cricket has fallen off the cliff and Bangladesh refused to grow. The well-oiled Indian and Kiwi camps have benefitted.

India have had it easier, being stationed at one location. No packing and unpacking to do, no air miles to add, no travel fatigue to deal with.

In contrast, New Zealand would have gone the whole hog by the time they complete the tournament. They played in Karachi and Rawalpindi, are here in Dubai, will go back to play the semi-final in Lahore and might have to return to Dubai if they make the final. True to their reputation, they would not complain. "Oh look, it is what it is. It's been decided and that's the way that it is and there's no point dwelling on that," New Zealand spinner Michael Bracewell said on Friday. "It's part of what makes it exciting I personally think, coming to a different ground and trying to figure out those different conditions."