🏏ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand, Final:9th March🏏 - Page 2

Did you know?

- New Zealand have a 3-1 record in ICC knockout matches against India, having won the CT final in 2000, the 2019 World Cup semifinal and the WTC final in 2023. India's only win came in the 2023 World Cup semifinal

- Rohit Sharma is the first ever captain to reach the final in all four Men's ICC tournaments - the WTC (2023), ODI World Cup (2023), T20 World Cup (2024) and Champions Trophy (2025)

- New Zealand's spinners have picked up 15 wickets collectively in the matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa, averaging 26 at a strike rate of 31.6. In the match against India, they got only two wickets at an average of 64 and a strike rate of 75

- Virat Kohli needs another 55 to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Incidentally, it was in the 2023 World Cup semis against New Zealand when he went past Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 49 ODI tons

- Kane Williamson has scored 333 runs in his last six innings against India, at an average of 83.25 with a strike rate of 79.28, including four half-centuries

- Pacers and spinners have bagged 30 wickets each in the CT matches in Dubai. Pacers have had more success in the first innings (22) while spinners have bagged 14 and 16 wickets respectively in the two innings

What they said

"The draw that happened, it happened before. After India winning four matches, if people feel that there is an advantage, then I don't know what to say about it. End of the day, I think in a game, you have to play good cricket every day when you turn up. So the only thing they (critics) may say is that we play here. But that is how the draw is. So nothing else can happen in that. It is not that after coming here, they changed something and we got an advantage" - Sitanshu Kotak, India batting coach, on team having advantage by playing all their games in Dubai

"The decision around that's out of our hands. It's not something we worry about too much. India have got to play all their games here in Dubai. But we have had a game here and we'll learn very quickly from that experience there as well. We've had eight teams here at the start. We're down to two now. It's always exciting to be in this situation. And from our perspective, it just comes to a one-off game now. And if we're good enough to beat India on Sunday, then I'm sure we'll be very, very happy" - Gary Stead, New Zealand head coach on advantages to India

Winner, Most Runs, Most Wickets & Player of the Match

Most Runs

Owing to his scintillating form, Rachin Ravindra could be expected to end up scoring the most runs in the game. The left-handed top-order batter has been in some sensational nick of late. He did not feature in New Zealand's tournament opener against Pakistan to prioritise returning from a forehead injury. From that moment on, Rachin has notched up a couple of tons against Bangladesh and South Africa, respectively.

Probable Best Batter: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI/X)

Though Rohit Sharma has not been in great touch so far and has failed to convert his starts into big innings, this will be an opportunity for him to get things rolling. Rohit has a great record in knockouts and will want to prove it in the upcoming match where he will want to lead from the front. Though he has already proved himself as a leader this will be the perfect opportunity to show once again why the 'Hitman' is one of the most dangerous batters in the game.

Probable Best Bowler: Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner. (Source -Getty Images)

It might be tough to balance captaincy and performance as a player but spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has done a tremendous job so far. He will also be effective on the Dubai pitch which will offer him some grip and turn. He has had great battles with the Indian legends and has currently taken seven wickets from the four matches he has played so far.

Most Wickets

Owing to the turning nature of the track to be used in Dubai, Ravindra Jadeja is a strong contender for ending up with the most wickets on Sunday. Jadeja's menacing lines and changes of pace could prove to be a tricky prospect for the Kiwi batters. Trying to break the shackles against the spin-bowling all-rounder could lead to Jadeja claiming a few dismissals.

These are tentative suggestions, not a sure prediction. Please note.

Today's Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

Scenario 1

• India win the toss and opt to bat first
• PP score: 60-75
• IND: 270-280
• India win the match

Scenario 2

• New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first
• PP score: 65-80
• NZ: 275-285
• New Zealand win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

Prediction game form for the match between India and New Zealand

~~~*~~~

Format for predictions

*******

-Winning Team -- 5 points --

-Man of the Match -- 15 points --

-Hit the most 4s -- 10 Points --

-Hit the most 6s -- 10 points --

-Taking the majority of wickets -- 10 points --

-Making the most runs -- 10 points --

Note: A special badge will be awarded to the winners of the

Final match

Thanks for the thread Madhu.

May the best team win.

Cheers..

Originally posted by: Viswasruti

India’s Spin Dominance Could Decide the Final

India’s spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja—have been ruthless, taking 21 wickets in the tournament, the most by any team.

New Zealand’s Spinners Are Not Far Behind

New Zealand’s spin attack has also impressed, scalping 17 wickets. If they click in Dubai, they could challenge India’s batting lineup.

Matt Henry’s Fitness a Major Concern

NZ pacer Matt Henry’s shoulder injury is a key talking point. His absence could weaken their attack against a strong Indian batting lineup.

Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill said he is ready to take "calculated risks" when the team is under pressure to realise a long-standing dream.

"It is about me being in my zone and taking calculated risks. I think that is the hallmark of my team and myself. I take risks at the point when I feel the team is under pressure. Most of my batting is instinctive and I don't pre-plan," Gill said on the eve of the final.

"Obviously, it is a big occasion and I will try my best and I will prepare myself accordingly. But the nature of cricket is such that no matter how much you try, you can't score 100 or 50 in every match," he added.

Thanks Deedee 🐦

1111111111111 111

Originally posted by: Viswasruti

India’s Spin Dominance Could Decide the Final

India’s spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja—have been ruthless, taking 21 wickets in the tournament, the most by any team.

New Zealand’s Spinners Are Not Far Behind

New Zealand’s spin attack has also impressed, scalping 17 wickets. If they click in Dubai, they could challenge India’s batting lineup.

Matt Henry’s Fitness a Major Concern

NZ pacer Matt Henry’s shoulder injury is a key talking point. His absence could weaken their attack against a strong Indian batting lineup.

Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill said he is ready to take "calculated risks" when the team is under pressure to realise a long-standing dream.

"It is about me being in my zone and taking calculated risks. I think that is the hallmark of my team and myself. I take risks at the point when I feel the team is under pressure. Most of my batting is instinctive and I don't pre-plan," Gill said on the eve of the final.

"Obviously, it is a big occasion and I will try my best and I will prepare myself accordingly. But the nature of cricket is such that no matter how much you try, you can't score 100 or 50 in every match," he added.

Rohit never wins the toss..

But hope will win the match 🙈

Today india will play with blackcaps

To Nazar to nhi legegi kisiki

Originally posted by: Spideyweb

Today india will play with blackcaps

To Nazar to nhi legegi kisiki

I m not watching today's match

Can't see either of them loosing

Wish they in played pak and weather ruined . They both can ve trophy