The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final is set to take place on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, featuring a thrilling clash between India and New Zealand. Both teams have showcased exceptional performances throughout the tournament, making this final a must-watch event for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Match Overview
India enters the final as the favorite, aiming to secure a record third Champions Trophy title. The team has displayed dominance in the tournament, winning all four of their matches in the United Arab Emirates, including a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand in the group stage.
The Indian squad has excelled on pitches offering turn, with the batting lineup, led by Virat Kohli, executing masterful run-chases against formidable opponents such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Australia.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has proven to be a resilient and formidable opponent. The Black Caps secured their spot in the final after a significant semi-final win against South Africa, where they posted the highest Champions Trophy total of 362-6. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson highlighted their robust batting performance.
Historically, New Zealand has been a challenging adversary for India in major finals, notably defeating them in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy final and the World Test Championship title clash four years ago.
Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been known to offer pitches that assist spinners, making spin bowling a crucial factor in the outcome of the match. Teams batting first have often found success, as the pitch tends to slow down in the second innings, making run-chases challenging. A first-innings score of around 280-300 runs could be considered competitive on this surface.
Injury Updates
Both teams have reported minimal injury concerns leading up to the final. India’s pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is recovering from an injury, with Mohammed Shami filling in effectively during his absence.
New Zealand’s pace bowler Matt Henry injured his shoulder against South Africa, and his availability for the final remains uncertain.
Predicted Playing XI
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand:
- Devon Conway
- Finn Allen
- Kane Williamson (c)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Mitchell Santner
- Michael Bracewell
- Rachin Ravindra
- Tim Southee
- Trent Boult
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
When constructing your Dream11 fantasy cricket team for the final, consider the following high-performing players:
- Batsmen:
- Virat Kohli: A consistent run-scorer with a proven track record in high-pressure matches.
- Kane Williamson: The New Zealand captain has been in excellent form, anchoring the innings effectively.
- Rachin Ravindra: His recent century against South Africa highlights his potential to score big.
- Virat Kohli: A consistent run-scorer with a proven track record in high-pressure matches.
- All-rounders:
- Hardik Pandya: Offers valuable contributions with both bat and ball, providing balance to the team.
- Mitchell Santner: A key player for New Zealand, contributing significantly in both batting and bowling departments.
- Hardik Pandya: Offers valuable contributions with both bat and ball, providing balance to the team.
- Bowlers:
- Mohammed Shami: Has been effective in Bumrah’s absence, delivering crucial breakthroughs.
- Trent Boult: His experience and skill with the new ball make him a vital asset for New Zealand.
- Mohammed Shami: Has been effective in Bumrah’s absence, delivering crucial breakthroughs.
- Wicketkeeper:
- KL Rahul: Provides stability in the middle order and is reliable behind the stumps.
Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:
- Captain: Virat Kohli
- Vice-Captain: Kane Williamson
Key Battles to Watch
- Rohit Sharma vs. Trent Boult: The Indian captain’s ability to handle Boult’s swing will be crucial in setting the tone for India’s innings.
- Ravindra Jadeja vs. Kane Williamson: Jadeja’s spin bowling against Williamson’s adeptness at playing spin will be a pivotal contest in the middle overs.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final between India and New Zealand promises to be an exhilarating encounter, with both teams bringing their best to the field. India’s quest for a third title and New Zealand’s resilience set the stage for a memorable finale. For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, selecting players who have demonstrated consistent performance and the ability to thrive under pressure will be key to achieving success in your Dream11 teams.