The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have showcased exceptional performances throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Team Predictions:
India:
- Top Order: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli form a formidable batting trio, with Kohli in outstanding form this tournament.
- Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and wicketkeeper KL Rahul provide stability and depth.
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja add balance with their dual skills.
- Bowlers: The attack is spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, with spin options like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand:
- Top Order: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, and captain Kane Williamson anchor the batting lineup.
- Middle Order: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), and Glenn Phillips offer resilience and firepower.
- All-rounders: Mitchell Santner (captain) and Michael Bracewell contribute significantly in both departments.
- Bowlers: The pace attack includes Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, with William OβRourke adding depth.
Match Insights:
India enters the final as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, showcasing a balanced and confident side. Their batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is considered one of the best. The team’s experience playing in Dubai and their recent dominance, including a win against New Zealand in the group stage, gives them an edge.
However, New Zealand has a history of rising to the occasion in ICC events. They have reached their first major white-ball final in 25 years, demonstrating remarkable efficiency with their limited resources. Their consistent fielding, influential players like Kane Williamson, and effective bowlers such as Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner make them formidable opponents.
Expert Opinions:
Former India coach Ravi Shastri acknowledges India’s slight advantage but cautions against underestimating New Zealand, stating, “If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand.”
Pitch and Conditions:
The Dubai pitch has been slow and dry, favoring disciplined bowling and patient batting. India’s deeper batting lineup and Kohli’s chase-master reputation could be decisive if it’s a close finish, while New Zealand’s ability to post big totals and exploit key moments might tilt it their way if they bat first.
Conclusion:
While India appears to have a slight edge due to their balanced lineup and familiarity with the Dubai conditions, New Zealand’s resilience and tactical acumen make them a formidable challenger. Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate a closely contested final, with both teams having the potential to clinch the coveted trophy.
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