India vs New Zealand – ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal
Match Details:
- What: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Who: India vs New Zealand
- Where: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, UAE
- When: Sunday, 2nd March 2025 at 13:00 (09:00 GMT)
Follow the live coverage on Al Jazeera.
India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The two teams will face off in Dubai this Sunday, with the winner advancing to the final. Meanwhile, South Africa, who topped Group B, will await the loser of this match, while Australia, second in Group A, will face the winner of the final group stage game.
India enters the match with a six-day break following their victory against Pakistan. However, the short turnaround between the last group match and the semifinal has raised concerns about player workload and injuries.
India Team News
Indian captain Rohit Sharma and pacer Mohammed Shami are fit and ready to face New Zealand, according to the team. Both players briefly left the field during India’s previous match against Pakistan, sparking concerns about their fitness.
Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul reassured reporters, stating, "As far as I know, there are no real concerns about anyone missing games. Everyone is training, and while there might be some niggles, nothing is serious."
Shami, who recently returned to international cricket after a long injury layoff, has been instrumental for India, taking 5-53 in the opening match against Bangladesh. Though he appeared to struggle with his ankle against Pakistan, he returned to the field and played a key role in securing India’s win.
Assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate dismissed concerns about Rohit’s fitness, saying, "He’s fine. He knows how to handle his previous injuries well and is in good shape."
With Jasprit Bumrah still recovering from a back injury, Shami’s performance will be crucial for India.
New Zealand Team News
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell is fit to face India after missing the previous match against Bangladesh due to illness. Mitchell expressed his excitement about returning to the field, saying, "It’s another game of cricket, and I’m really excited to represent our country."
Rachin Ravindra, who scored a sparkling 112 against Bangladesh, has been a standout performer for New Zealand in this tournament. With Ravindra in form and Mitchell back in the lineup, New Zealand has a strong batting unit.
Coach Gary Stead hinted that some players carrying niggles might be rested for this crucial match.
Key Factors in the Match
The Dubai pitch is expected to be slow, favoring spinners. India’s Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets against Pakistan, while New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell shone with 4-26 against Bangladesh.
Ten Doeschate noted, "It could be a battle of spinners. Both teams have strong spin attacks, and it might come down to who bowls better on this surface."
New Zealand’s Chances of Upsetting India
Mitchell highlighted New Zealand’s strength in adaptability, saying, "We’re proud of how different players step up when the situation demands it. Someone will take responsibility in the upcoming games."
Why India Isn’t Playing in Pakistan
India’s matches, including potential finals, are being played in the UAE instead of Pakistan, the host nation, due to an agreement between the BCCI, ICC, and Pakistan Cricket Board. This arrangement will continue for all ICC events until 2027.
India and New Zealand’s Records in the Champions Trophy
- India: Two-time champions (2002, 2013).
- New Zealand: Champions in 2000.
Form Guide
- India: Won both group stage matches and their recent T20 World Cup victory in 2024.
- New Zealand: Reached the knockout stages in four of the last five ICC limited-overs tournaments and secured a tri-series win against South Africa and Pakistan.
Semifinals and Final Details
- First Semifinal: Tuesday, Dubai (involving India).
- Second Semifinal: Wednesday, Lahore.
- Final: Sunday, 9th March, Lahore (unless India qualifies, in which case it will be moved to Dubai).
Squads
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham.
Stay tuned for an exciting clash between two cricketing giants!
