KOLKATA, Sept 16: Indian cricket skipper Sourav Ganguly has conceded that New Zealand had ability to throw a challenge in coming Test and tri-series, but expressed confidence about his team finishing on top in home fixture due to its superior spin strength.

“They can challenge India on our soil. They played well in Sri Lanka recently. But there they had to contend with only (Mutthiah) Muralitharan. Here they have to face might of Harbhajan (Singh) and (Anil) Kumble,” he told newsmen here.

New Zealand are scheduled to play two Tests against India at Ahmedabad (Oct 8-12) and Mohali (Oct 16-20), before participating in a tri-series with Australia as third team.

“They won’t find the going as easy as in Sri Lanka. Every touring captain has said, and I agree, that India is biggest hurdle in the sub-continent,” he said.

He said India had been playing very good cricket in last couple of years and had a fantastic record on home soil.

“I am very hopeful of the outcome in both the Test and triangular contest. We have a very good side,” Ganguly said.

Turning to tour of Australia beginning end of this year, he said “We need to bat well Down Under to come out successful.”

Ganguly said Indian team had now started playing well overseas and referred to their performance in South Africa and England.

“No other Indian side had played as well abroad in last 10 years as we did in South Africa and England.”

He, however, said more than talent, his players needed to believe in their abilities to come out victorious in Australia.—PPI