India vs New Zealand(PC: X/@mipaltan)
India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team: The grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Stadium, featuring a high-stakes clash between India and New Zealand. The match is scheduled to commence at 2:30 PM IST.
India’s Road to the Final
India has showcased exceptional form throughout the tournament, maintaining an unblemished record with victories in all their matches. Their journey to the final was solidified with a hard-fought win over Australia in the semi-finals, where Virat Kohli’s stellar innings of 84 runs and Mohammad Shami’s three-wicket haul were pivotal.
New Zealand’s Journey
New Zealand has demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess, securing their spot in the final after a commanding 50-run victory against South Africa. Centuries from Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra were instrumental in this triumph.
Key Players to Watch
- India: Virat Kohli has been in sublime form, consistently anchoring the innings. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s ability to exploit the pitch conditions in Dubai could be a game-changer.
- New Zealand: Kane Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess are crucial for the Kiwis. Additionally, their spin attack, which has been effective throughout the tournament, will aim to challenge India’s batsmen.
Pitch and Conditions
The Dubai pitch has historically favored spinners, making spin bowling a potentially decisive factor in the match. Both teams possess strong spin units, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
Dream11 Fantasy Picks
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, here are some top picks:
- Captain: Virat Kohli
- Vice-Captain: Kane Williamson
- Batsmen: Shubman Gill, Rachin Ravindra
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner
- Bowlers: Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav
Please note that player availability and pitch conditions can influence fantasy selections.
Head-to-Head and Predictions
In their last 10 ODI encounters, India leads with six wins to New Zealand’s four. However, New Zealand has a history of rising to the occasion in ICC tournaments, making them formidable opponents.
Experts suggest that while India enters the match as favorites, New Zealand’s consistent performances and strategic acumen could lead to an upset.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the live action on the Star Sports Network, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. As both teams vie for the coveted Champions Trophy, cricket enthusiasts worldwide anticipate a thrilling and closely contested final.
