India vs New Zealand: Road to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been an intense affair, and now it is time for the grand finale: India and New Zealand squaring off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The team from India has simply been the best in this competition, not losing any of their fixtures. India has posted hefty scores throughout this tournament with such a formidable top order in Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Their pace bowling duo of Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav has also been successful in destroying the opposition batting units.
New Zealand have, on the other hand, shown again that they are one of the most professional sides in world cricket. Kane Williamson s New Zealand cricket team Following a tense semi-final win over South Africa the Black Caps are out to win their first ICC Champions Trophy in Sunday’s final against India. The middle order stability provided by Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips has been so important, with the bowlers showing incredible composure under pressure.
The final will be a hot contest as both teams are a level team.
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Pitch Report for India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers a balanced pitch that has something for both batsmen and bowlers.
- Batting Conditions: The pitch is expected to be good for batting, especially under lights. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, making stroke play easier.
- Bowling Factors: Spinners are likely to play a crucial role as the match progresses, with the pitch offering some grip and turn.
- First-Innings Score: The average first-innings score at this venue in recent ODIs has been 260-270 runs, meaning a competitive total should be around 280+.
- Dew Factor: If dew comes into play in the second innings, it could make bowling difficult, especially for spinners.
Winning the toss and chasing might be the preferred option in this crucial final.
India vs New Zealand Predicted Playing XI
India’s Probable XI
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand’s Probable XI
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson (C)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
For more information visit : https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-champions-trophy-2024-25-1459031/india-vs-new-zealand-12th-match-group-a-1466425/match-preview
Key Players to Watch in India vs New Zealand Final 2025
India’s Key Players
- Virat Kohli: The Indian icon player is in sublime touch and has made vital contribution in winning matches. (Virat) Kohli can anchor an innings and he is a very important player.
- Kuldeep Yadav: In a Dubai pitch that looks to be helping spinners, his repertoire and wicket-taking could just sway the game.
New Zealand’s Key Players
- Kane Williamson: The New Zealand captain will hold the key to take the team out of pressure situations. His proficiency against spin makes him crucial against India’s spinners.
- Mitchell Santner: New Zealand’s most consistent bowler in the tournament, the left-arm spinner will have his say in the middle overs and could prove to be a difference-maker in the game.
Match Strategy & Analysis: India vs New Zealand Final 2025
India’s Game Plan
- Strong Start: Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill need to give India a solid start, capitalizing on the powerplay.
- Middle-Order Stability: The likes of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer must ensure India builds momentum and avoids collapses.
- Spin Domination: Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will play a crucial role in keeping New Zealand’s scoring rate in check.
New Zealand’s Game Plan
- Early Wickets: Fast bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson must get early breakthroughs to put India on the back foot.
- Steady Batting Approach: The top-order must be careful against India’s pace attack and build partnerships.
- Utilizing Spinners: If the pitch slows down, Santner and Bracewell could make scoring difficult for India’s batsmen.
Who Has the Edge? India or New Zealand?
On paper, India appears stronger with a more balanced side and a deeper batting order. Their unbeaten streak of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 speaks volumes of their domination. But New Zealand is a team which has overachieved in the ICC events. They are fast in the field and have a good responce to pressure.
A great deal will hinge on the ability of New Zealand’s bowlers to corral India’s top order and India’s spinners to bother New Zealand’s own middle order.
Conclusion: The Stage is Set for an Epic ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
The India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy Final 2025 promises to be an exciting and high-intensity clash. With both teams aiming for glory, cricket fans around the world are in for a thrilling contest.
📌 For live updates and in-depth match coverage, visit: Matt Henry’s Injury Blow: New Zealand Faces a Major Setback Ahead of CT Final 2025.