IND vs NZ Final 2025 | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final India vs New Zealand - Match Preview, Playing XI, Winning Predictions, Pitch, Weather & Fantasy Picks

India vs New Zealand – ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Match Preview, Playing XI, and Predictions

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final promises a high-intensity clash as India takes on New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, setting up an electrifying title showdown on March 9. With key players in prime touch and a balanced contest expected, this final could go down as one of the most thrilling battles in recent cricket history.

India’s Strategy and Strengths

India enters the final on the back of a dominant campaign, with their spinners playing a crucial role in subduing opponents. Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been instrumental, guiding the team with a composed approach. The opening pair of Rohit and Shubman Gill will be key in countering the new-ball threat from New Zealand’s pacers.

The middle order, featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, will be pivotal in building a strong foundation. Hardik Pandya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides an added advantage, while the trio of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav will play a major role in exploiting Dubai’s spin-friendly surface.

With Mohammed Shami leading the pace attack, India possesses a well-rounded bowling lineup, strengthened by the mystery spin of Varun Chakravarthy.

New Zealand’s Approach and Key Players

New Zealand has often been India’s kryptonite in ICC tournaments, having defeated them in crucial knockout matches in the past. This time, Kane Williamson leads a team packed with experienced players and emerging stars.

Rachin Ravindra, the young sensation, has been in sublime form, scoring consistently in pressure situations. His recent century in the semifinal against South Africa showcases his ability to rise to the occasion. Alongside him, Williamson’s experience and calmness under pressure make him a formidable threat.

Mitchell Santner, leading the side, has been exceptional with his left-arm spin and will be a key weapon against India’s strong batting lineup. The availability of Matt Henry remains a crucial factor, as his early breakthroughs have often derailed top orders. If Henry is unfit, New Zealand may turn to Nathan Smith or Jacob Duffy as a replacement.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

Dubai’s surface has traditionally assisted spinners, and with no significant dew expected in the evening, the toss might not be a game-defining factor. However, batting first could be an advantage as the pitch tends to slow down in the second innings, making run-chases tricky.

Pacers have found success with early movement, while spinners have dominated the middle overs. A score of around 270-280 could be a competitive total, given the nature of the track.

The weather forecast indicates clear skies with temperatures around 30°C, ensuring ideal playing conditions for the final.

Dream11 Fantasy Picks – Who Will Shine

For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, picking the right combination will be key to winning in Dream11 leagues. Here are the top picks:

• Captain Choices: Rachin Ravindra, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson

• Vice-Captain Options: Rohit Sharma, Mitchell Santner, Hardik Pandya

• Top Batters: Shubman Gill, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham

• All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips

• Bowlers to Watch: Mohammed Shami, Matt Henry (if fit), Varun Chakravarthy

With Ravindra and Williamson in sublime form, they are likely to accumulate big points. Kohli, nearing a major milestone, will also be eager to step up in the final.

Winning Prediction – Who Has the Edge

While India appears to be the stronger side on paper, history suggests that New Zealand has had the upper hand in ICC knockout matches. With a 3-1 record in such encounters, the Kiwis have often found a way to overcome India in crucial matches.

However, India’s current form, coupled with their depth in both batting and bowling, gives them a slight advantage. If their spinners manage to control the middle overs and restrict New Zealand’s scoring rate, they could be on course to lift the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand’s chances hinge on their ability to handle India’s spin attack and their fielding brilliance, which has been a game-changer in past ICC tournaments. If their bowlers, particularly Henry and Santner, deliver under pressure, the Black Caps could upset the odds once again.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Record: He is the first-ever captain to reach the final in four consecutive ICC tournaments – WTC 2023, ODI World Cup 2023, T20 World Cup 2024, and now the Champions Trophy 2025.

• New Zealand’s Knockout Dominance: The Black Caps have defeated India in three ICC knockout matches – Champions Trophy 2000 final, 2019 World Cup semifinal, and 2023 WTC final.

• Kohli’s Milestone Watch: Virat Kohli needs 55 runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history.

• Rachin Ravindra’s Rising Stardom: He has scored five ODI centuries in ICC events in just 18 months, surpassing many legendary New Zealand batters.

• Spinners vs Pacers: In the Champions Trophy 2025 matches played in Dubai, spinners and pacers have taken an equal number of wickets (30 each), highlighting the balanced nature of the surface.

Final Thoughts

As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final begins, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await what promises to be a spectacular clash. Will India finally break their ICC knockout jinx against New Zealand, or will the Black Caps once again spoil the party?

With a star-studded lineup and intense rivalries on display, the final is set to be an unmissable showdown.