India and New Zealand are set to clash in the much-anticipated final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the iconic Dubai International Stadium on March 9, with the match starting at 2:30 PM IST. India, displaying sheer dominance in Group A, remained unbeaten, winning all three of their matches to secure the top spot in the standings.
New Zealand, on the other hand, finished second in the group, registering two wins in their three matches. India’s road to the final saw them overcome Australia in the semi-final by four wickets, with Virat Kohli’s crucial 84-run knock and Mohammed Shami’s three-wicket haul proving decisive.
New Zealand, too, put up a stellar performance in their semi-final against South Africa, registering a 50-run victory. Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century (108) and Kane Williamson’s composed 102 were the cornerstones of their success.
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With India carrying an unbeaten streak into the final and New Zealand in fine form, the stage is set for an electrifying contest. Both teams have displayed immense skill and resilience throughout the tournament, making the final a mouthwatering prospect for cricket fans. Will India continue their winning momentum and claim their third Champions Trophy title, or will New Zealand finally break their ICC title drought? An exciting battle awaits on Sunday.
India
India has found a winning formula in Dubai’s conditions, relying on two pacers and four spinners, with Varun Chakaravarthy being the latest addition. Hardik Pandya’s effectiveness with the new ball has allowed this balance, and the team may stick to the same combination for the final. However, there could be a temptation to rest Kuldeep Yadav, who has struggled in the last two matches, for an extra pacer like Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh. That said, Rohit Sharma prefers to back his proven match-winners.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand
New Zealand, too, are likely to retain their semifinal-winning XI, meaning Devon Conway may remain on the bench. Their four-pronged spin attack—Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra—suits the conditions perfectly. There is some concern over Matt Henry’s sore shoulder from the semifinal, but he is expected to play. If he doesn’t recover in time, Nathan Smith or Jacob Duffy could step in as his replacement.
Probable XI: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham(wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Matt Henry/Nathan Smith
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra (vc), Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Varun Chakravarthy
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson (vc), Rachin Ravindra, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill (c), Axar Patel, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Varun Chakravarthy
