India and New Zealand are set to clash in the 12th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on March 2 at 2:30 PM IST. Both teams have been in top form, winning both their group-stage matches and securing a place in the semi-finals. While New Zealand currently sits at the top of Group A, India is just behind them in second place, making this match a battle for supremacy in the group standings.
India’s last outing saw them secure a convincing six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, with Virat Kohli delivering a stunning century to guide the team home. Meanwhile, New Zealand outclassed Bangladesh, chasing down their target with five wickets in hand, thanks to a brilliant 112-run knock from Rachin Ravindra.
Both sides have displayed exceptional form, and this encounter presents an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies before the knockout stage. Dubai’s weather has been slightly chilly in the mornings and evenings, but conditions during match hours will be ideal for cricket. The pitch is expected to be balanced, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers.
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The team winning the toss might prefer to bat first, but given India’s recent success in chases, they wouldn’t mind bowling first either. With two in-form teams going head-to-head, this promises to be a high-intensity contest as both sides aim to maintain momentum heading into the semi-finals. Fans can expect a thrilling battle between two of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
India
India may opt to make a couple of changes, though it remains unclear whether they will rest skipper Rohit Sharma. The captain is nursing a hamstring injury, but he appeared to be fine on Friday night after batting for an extended period. Mohammed Shami could make way for Arshdeep Singh, with Varun Chakravarthy potentially coming in for Kuldeep Yadav.
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
New Zealand, already through to the semi-finals, may also rest players with minor niggles. Daryl Mitchell is available again after missing the Bangladesh game due to illness, but his return creates a selection headache. Rachin Ravindra, who replaced him, made a stunning century, strengthening his case for retention. Adding to the dilemma, Will Young had earlier stepped in for an injured Ravindra and also scored a century.
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.
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill (c), Rachin Ravindra (vc), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mohammed Shami, William O’Rourke
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Tom Latham, Virat Kohli (c), Shubman Gill, Rachin Ravindra, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (vc), Mohammed Shami, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke
