High-flying India is set to clash with New Zealand in the final of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The much-anticipated match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
After suffering a defeat against India in their final group game, New Zealand made a strong comeback by defeating South Africa in the semifinal. The Black Caps delivered a clinical performance at the Gaddafi Stadium, securing a 50-run victory and setting up an exciting final against India.
India, on the other hand, has remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. In the group stage, they triumphed over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand to top the points table. In the semifinal, the Rohit Sharma-led team defeated the reigning world champions, Australia, by 4 wickets to secure their place in the final.
With both teams ready to face off in the Champions Trophy final, here’s a detailed match preview for IND vs NZ.
IND vs NZ Match Preview – ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final:
IND vs NZ, Date and Venue:
The final will take place on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The match is scheduled to start at 02:30 PM IST.
Squads:
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand:
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy
IND vs NZ Key Battles:
Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner:
This battle could play a decisive role in the final. Kohli thrives under pressure and will aim to deliver another impactful performance. After a Player of the Match-winning knock of 84 runs in the semifinal against Australia, he will be eager to shine in the final once again. New Zealand will rely on Mitchell Santner, who took 3 wickets against South Africa, to dismiss Kohli early.
Kane Williamson vs Varun Chakravarthy:
This contest could also influence the outcome of the match. Williamson has regained his form, scoring 81 and 102 runs in his last two games. Meanwhile, Chakravarthy has been in fine form with the ball, taking 7 wickets in his last two matches, including a 5-wicket haul against New Zealand.
Rachin Ravindra vs Mohammed Shami:
The duel between Ravindra and Shami could set the tone for the match. Ravindra has been in excellent form, scoring two centuries in the tournament. Shami, who provided India with a strong start in the semifinal, will look to make
