India vs New Zealand: Champions Trophy 2025 Final Preview
Updated Mar 9, 2025, 07:29 IST
As the cricketing world turns its gaze to the Dubai International Stadium, excitement is palpable for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. Today, India will face off against New Zealand in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The match is set to commence at 2:30 PM IST, with the all-important toss taking place at 2 PM.
India’s Journey to the Final
India has been nothing short of spectacular throughout the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten record. Their journey to the final was marked by a commanding performance against Australia in the semifinal, where they showcased their depth and skill. The team, led by the experienced Rohit Sharma, has displayed a blend of aggressive batting and strategic bowling, making them formidable opponents.
New Zealand’s Path to the Final
On the other hand, New Zealand secured their place in the final after finishing second in Group A. Despite a setback in their league match against India, they bounced back emphatically in the semifinal, delivering a one-sided victory over South Africa in Lahore. Under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, the Kiwis have demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, making them a team to watch.
Weather Conditions: A Crucial Factor
Dubai’s weather will play a significant role in today’s match. With temperatures expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, players will need to manage their energy levels carefully. Historically, teams have preferred to chase in the afternoon sun, which adds an intriguing layer to the toss decision. Captains will have to weigh the benefits of batting first against the potential advantages of chasing under the heat.
Pitch Report: Spin-Friendly Surface
The pitch at Dubai International Stadium has been a talking point throughout the tournament. Reports indicate that it has favored spinners, providing assistance for turn and making stroke play increasingly challenging as the match progresses. The Powerplay overs have been the best time for batters, with the new ball coming onto the bat nicely. However, as the innings advance, players will need to adapt to the sluggish nature of the surface. Early aggression combined with consolidation during the middle overs will be crucial for success in the final.
Broadcast Information: How to Watch
For fans eager to catch the action, the match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network in India. Additionally, viewers can stream the game live on the JioHotstar app and website, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts won’t miss a moment of the excitement.
Team Squads: A Look at the Line-ups
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Washington Sundar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Rishabh Pant
New Zealand:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
- Nathan Smith
- Mark Chapman
- Devon Conway
- Jacob Duffy
As the teams prepare to battle it out for the coveted Champions Trophy, fans around the world are set for an unforgettable showdown. With both teams bringing their A-game, the final promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
