The stage is set for a high-voltage clash between India vs New Zealand in their final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both teams have already secured a place in the semifinals, making this game an excellent opportunity to test strategies and provide game time to key players before the knockout rounds.
Toss and Playing XIs
New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first in Dubai. Skipper Mitchell Santner mentioned that his team wanted to put early pressure on India and take advantage of the pitch conditions. On the other hand, India’s captain Rohit Sharma stated that he would have opted to bat first regardless, as the team aimed to challenge their bowlers after having chased targets in their previous games.
India’s Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
One change for India: Harshit Rana has been rested, and Varun Chakravarthy has been brought in.
New Zealand’s Playing XI:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
New Zealand has made one change as well: Daryl Mitchell comes in, while Devon Conway misses out.
Key Talking Points
Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI Match
The match is special for Virat Kohli, as he becomes the eighth Indian cricketer to reach 300 ODIs. Kohli has been in outstanding form, scoring a century against Pakistan in the last match. His consistency and impact in Indian cricket have earned him praise from both teammates and opponents.
India’s Dominance in the Champions Trophy
India has been one of the most successful teams in the Champions Trophy, having won 11 of their last 13 matches in the tournament since 2009. The only two defeats in this period came against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2017. With a strong batting lineup and a lethal bowling attack, the Men in Blue are looking to extend their dominance.
New Zealand’s Strategy: A Focus on Spin
New Zealand has four spin options in their squad and is expected to challenge India in the middle overs. Ryan ten Doeschate, a part of the Kiwi management team, admitted that spin has played a much bigger role in the tournament than expected. With Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand will aim to restrict India’s scoring rate.
What’s at Stake
While both teams have already qualified for the semifinals, this match is crucial for:
- Momentum – Heading into the knockout stages with a victory will be a big confidence booster.
- Testing the Bench Strength – India has brought in Varun Chakravarthy, while New Zealand is trying out Daryl Mitchell.
- Topping the Group – Finishing at the top could mean avoiding a stronger opponent in the semis.
Expert Predictions and Expectations
Former Indian cricketer Joginder Sharma believes that India is in excellent form and has the firepower to defeat New Zealand. “Our bowling side is match-winning, and the batters like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer are in great form. Kohli has been a responsible player, and Hardik Pandya adds firepower to the lineup,” Sharma said.
India vs New Zealand matches have always been thrilling encounters, and this game promises to be no different. With Kohli’s milestone, the spin challenge, and the race to top the group, fans can expect a high-intensity battle between two world-class teams.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and sources. While we strive for accuracy, match details and team selections may change. Readers are advised to check official sources for the latest updates.
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