India know the surface, but we’re ready for a fight: NZ skipper Santner

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner on Thursday acknowledged India's familiarity with the slow pitch here, but said his side is ready for a "scrap" in the Champions Trophy final. The Kiwis arrived here on Thursday evening ahead of the ICC showpiece's title clash against India on March 9.

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"They've played all their games here in Dubai and know that surface. Obviously, the surface will dictate a little bit of how we want to operate. It might be a little bit slower than what we got in Lahore. It might be more of a scrap, but we're down to scrap," Santner said.

However, Santner said New Zealand can take some solace from their experience of playing against India during the group stage. On that instance, India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in a Group A match that only carried an academic interest.

"We've come against a good side. I think we'll be better for the run we had the other day against them. We've had a bit of a roll on. Hopefully, it continues," he added.

The Antipodeans had to shuttle between Pakistan and Dubai for their last group match, semifinal and the final in a short span. But the left-arm spinner said the team has adapted to the busy schedule in the last few days.

"It's just the general feel of this tournament, moving around a lot. It's all part of the challenge. I think we've been to every place here. Obviously, in Pakistan and Dubai. I think the guys understand it's part of it these days. As long as you're ready to go for the game, it's fine," he said.

Kane Williamson refused to get dragged into the debate over India getting to play the final in Dubai and the batter is focused only on the chance of New Zealand grabbing silverware after reaching the title-decider.

"It is what it is," the 34-year-old said. "You know, it's just not something we're really looking too closely at. It's about the cricket that we want to play, and we'll take into account, obviously, the opposition, but be nice and smart come that final."