IND Vs NZ, CT 2025 Final: Here's What Kiwi Captain Mitchell Santner Said After Heart-breaking Loss

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged that his side lost to a better team on the day of the final of the Champions Trophy where the Kiwis were beaten by four wickets by India in Dubai. (Match Highlights | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

Santner's New Zealand fought hard but could not prevent an India win. The Men In Blue chased down a target of 252 with an over left.

"It's been a good tournament. We have been challenged along the way and the way we have grown as a group. We lost to a better side today. Everyone contributed to the tournament and put their hands up at different times," the Kiwi white ball captain said at the presentation ceremony after the loss.

Despite a quick start which saw New Zealand race to 69/1 in the first 10 overs, the Kiwis could only reach 251/7 in 50 overs. Santner conceded that the total was below par.

"It was good bowling. We lost a couple of wickets after the powerplay and they really got the squeeze on. Credit to how their spinners how they bowled. They are world-class bowlers. We were 20 or 25 under to what we were looking for," Santner said.

Just when India seemed like cruising towards the target, Glenn Phillips produced a moment of brilliance on the field. Phillips flew high at the cover region to take a stunning catch to dismiss Shubman Gill and end a 105-run first wicket partnership for India.

Santer praised Phillips for the catch and also acknowledged the brilliance of opposition skipper Rohit Sharma who scored an attacking 76 to lay the platform of a successful chase.

"That man (Phillips) he keeps doing it. The way Rohit and Gill went about it was great. Rohit going at almost run a ball on that wicket was outstanding. We knew the game could change quickly and that happened."

Speaking about leading the team in his first ICC tournament, Santner said, "It has been very enjoyable. Made easy by the group. Different guys stepping up at different times makes it easy. We have had a few challenges but we have adapted. It has been a great tournament."

Santner finished the tournament as the joint second highest wicket taker with nine scalps to his name.