India vs New Zealand: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

The stage is all set for an exciting ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand on Sunday March 9  in Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams  have showed  exceptional  perfomances in the tournament and will be looking to lift the Champions  trophy. While India is considered the favorite  New Zealand has all the ability  to make this final a tough contest.

Why India is worried about New Zealand as opponent;

New Zealand is a well balanced team with strong spin options  pace attack  excelent  fielding  and deep batting. Let us see the key factors that make them a tough opponent for India.

Spinners of New Zealand;

New Zealand’s spin attack is one of the best in this tournament. Led by left arm spinner Mitchell Santner  they have additional quality spin options in Michael Bracewell Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. This variety allows them to cotrol different situations  making it challenging for Indian batsmen to score runs. India also handled their spinners well in the group stage matches. 

Balanced Pace Attack

The Kiwi pacers surprised India with their ability to move the ball in early overs. Unlike India’s other matches in Dubai  where seam movement was not seen so much. New Zealand’s tall pacers generated swing and extra bounce caused trouble for indian top order batters in the group stage match. If they  repeat this in the final  India’s batsmen will have to find a way to counter their disciplined bowling.

Excelent  Fielding Skills

New Zealand’s fielding was outstanding throughout the tournament. Their ability to save 30-40 runs and convert half chances into wickets could be alarming . Glenn Phillips  Will Young  and Michael Bracewell have been Exceptional  in the field so far They apply extra pressure to the opponent by cutting singles and taking exclent catches. India will have to be cautious in running between the wickets to avoid unnecessary runouts.

Batting of New Zealand

Just like India  New Zealand has a strong batting lineup in  Dubai conditions. Their top three Rachin Ravindra, Will Young and Kane Williamson are capable of providing solid starts  while Tom Latham Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips can accelerate in the middle overs. India’s spinners dominated the last group match but New Zealand’s middle order battesman are capable  to handle spin.

A Clash with memorable history;

This is the first time after 25 years when India and New Zealand will be playing in the final of Champions Trophy. They played last betwenn each other in the 2000 Champions Trophy final where New Zealand claimed their first ICC title by defeating India. More recently New Zealand took victory over India in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final. This may add an extra pressure to indian side.

Pitch and Conditions at Dubai;

The Dubai pitch has played slower in the last three games india played here, favoring spin bowlers. However the final is expected to be played on a new surface which could lead to better batting conditions. If the pitch behaves slower  spinners will play a crucial role in deciding the result of the match. The dew factor has not had much impact so previous three games which means batting second might still be a challenge.

What to Expect in the Final

 India’s strategy will be to attack  New Zealand’s bowlers and setting up a strong total.

 New Zealand will look to take adavantage of early movement with their pacers and control the middle overs with their spinners.

Fielding will play a key role as both teams have good fielders who can turn the game around with their fielding.

As the cricket lovers and indian fans are eagarly waiting for  this thrilling contest one thing is certain the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand will be a battle of skill  strategy  and nerves. Fans from both nations are set for an unforgettable game as their teams fight for glory on the big stage.