India and New Zealand will be facing each other in the upcoming final of inaugural edition of World Test Championship (WTC) at Southampton slated to begin from June 18. While India will be playing a Test series against England after the final, New Zealand is currently playing a two-match Test series against England before the showpiece event.

New Zealand had beaten India last year when the subcontinental side toured there for a two-Test series. But, according to former India cricketer Saba Karim, India will be able to win the WTC final if they capitalize on New Zealand’s weaknesses.

“Both the teams have had problems. The New Zealand middle order is looking extremely fragile. Kane Williamson is a very big player. Every team feels they can get New Zealand all out quickly once they dismiss him,” Karim said on India News.

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The former wicketkeeper-batsman then commented on the playing XI that New Zealand went in with in the first Test match against England being played at Lord’s.

“I was a little surprised with the combination New Zealand fielded in this match. They have played Colin de Grandhomme as a fifth bowler apart from three pacers and a spinner. Because of that their middle order is looking quite weak,” the 53-year-old said.

The Virat Kohli and Co. which is currently in hard quarantine in Southampton, will begin training shortly for the big final against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand to be played in front of 4000 spectators.

The WTC final will be followed by a five-match Test series between India and hosts England which is scheduled from 4 August with the first Test match to be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

(With Hindustan Times Inputs)