IND vs NZ Today | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 India vs New Zealand - Match Preview, Playing XI & Predictions

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand - Match Preview, Playing XI & Predictions

An Intense Clash Awaits as India Takes on New Zealand

In what promises to be a thrilling contest, India and New Zealand will face off in the 12th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While both teams have already qualified for the knockout stage, this encounter will determine who finishes at the top of Group A. With momentum being a crucial factor heading into the semifinals, both teams will be eager to put their best foot forward.

Historically, New Zealand has been a tough competitor for India in ICC events. Despite India's immense talent pool, the Black Caps have managed to consistently challenge and overcome them in crucial moments. However, India’s recent World Cup semifinal victory over New Zealand in 2023 has given them confidence heading into this match.

Match Details

• Date: March 2, 2025

• Time: 13:00 Local | 14:30 IST

• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Weather & Pitch Report

• Weather: The weather in Dubai will be cricket-friendly, with moderate temperatures expected during match hours. The morning and late evening might be slightly chilly, but no rain is forecasted.

• Pitch Conditions: The Dubai surface has traditionally been good for batting, with assistance for both pacers and spinners. The initial overs will have some swing, making it crucial for openers to play cautiously. Spinners will get some turn, particularly in the second innings, which might influence the captain’s decision at the toss.

India’s Team News & Predicted Playing XI

India might make a couple of changes to provide game time to players who haven’t featured much. Rohit Sharma, who has been nursing a minor hamstring issue, may opt to rest, allowing others a chance to prove their mettle. Mohammed Shami, recovering from a knee surgery, could be replaced by Arshdeep Singh, while Varun Chakaravarthy might come in for Kuldeep Yadav.

India’s Probable XI:

• Rohit Sharma (c)

• Shubman Gill

• Virat Kohli

• Shreyas Iyer

• KL Rahul (wk)

• Hardik Pandya

• Axar Patel

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Harshit Rana

• Arshdeep Singh

• Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand’s Team News & Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand may also rotate players to manage fitness levels. Daryl Mitchell is available after recovering from illness, but replacing Rachin Ravindra or Will Young, both of whom have scored centuries in the tournament, will be a tough decision.

New Zealand’s Probable XI:

• Will Young

• Devon Conway

• Kane Williamson

• Rachin Ravindra

• Tom Latham (wk)

• Glenn Phillips

• Michael Bracewell

• Mitchell Santner (c)

• Matt Henry

• Kyle Jamieson

• William O’Rourke

Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction

Fantasy cricket players will be keen to build a strong Dream11 team. Given the form and conditions, here are the top picks:

Batting Choices:

• Virat Kohli (Milestone match: 300th ODI, history of performing in landmark games)

• Devon Conway (Consistent performer in ICC events)

• Shubman Gill (In-form opener with ability to anchor the innings)

All-Rounders:

• Hardik Pandya (Key contributor with both bat and ball)

• Mitchell Santner (Tops the spin charts and is New Zealand’s most economical bowler)

Bowlers:

• Matt Henry (Capable of picking wickets early on Dubai’s surface)

• Arshdeep Singh (Effective in death overs and with new ball swing)

• Michael Bracewell (Leading wicket-taker among spinners in the tournament)

Captain & Vice-Captain Picks:

• Captain: Virat Kohli (Big match player, high probability of a century)

• Vice-Captain: Mitchell Santner (Spin-friendly conditions and reliable all-rounder)

Winning Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand?

• India’s Strengths: Deep batting lineup, recent win against New Zealand in a world event, and in-form middle order.

• New Zealand’s Strengths: Balanced team, well-defined roles, strong bowling unit, and a history of troubling India in ICC tournaments.

• Verdict: Given the current form, India holds a slight edge, but New Zealand’s tactical approach and ability to perform under pressure could turn the tables.

Interesting Facts to Know Before the Match

• Virat Kohli’s Landmark: Kohli will be playing his 300th ODI. In his 200th ODI against New Zealand in 2017, he scored a century.

• New Zealand’s Spin Dominance: Despite lacking a wrist spinner, they have extracted the most turn in this tournament.

• Shreyas Iyer’s Challenge: New Zealand pacers have some of the highest release points in the tournament and may target Iyer with short-pitched deliveries.

• Michael Bracewell’s Efficiency: Bracewell has bowled 70% of his deliveries as dot balls, making him a key weapon against India's batting.

Final Thoughts

With both teams already through to the semifinals, this match will serve as a momentum builder. While India aims to maintain dominance after their recent ODI World Cup victory, New Zealand will look to continue their impressive ICC record against India. A high-octane battle awaits cricket fans, and this game might set the tone for the latter stages of the tournament. Buckle up for an intense clash in Dubai!