The India vs New Zealand final for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday may turn into a cat-and-mouse affair as both the teams try to outwit each other in a battle of equals despite India’s unbeaten run, which includes a victory over the Kiwis as well during the group stage of the tournament.
The game may potentially mark the final ODI appearance of Indian legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is last year after lifting the T20 World Cup.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
INDIA FAVOURITES
India are the overwhelming favourites for their third Champions Trophy title and will enter the title match having secured victories in all four matches they have played so far at the eight-nation competition, including a convincing 44-run triumph over New Zealand during the group-stage fixtures.
The Indian team has played all their matches in Dubai after declining to travel to Pakistan, the official Champions Trophy hosts, due to ongoing political tensions.
Both Kohli, aged 36, and captain Rohit, aged 37, entered the 50-over competition amidst speculation about their retirement plans, following underwhelming performances in Test matches.
Kohli responded to his critics with a brilliant unbeaten 100 against arch-rivals Pakistan, followed by a decisive 84 against world champions Australia in the semifinals.
Rohit’s highest in this campaign has been his 41 in the first win against Bangladesh. However, he has earned praise for providing swift starts.
The form of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul has held the batting unit in good stead, with all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel providing added support.
WIN BY SPIN
India’s pursuit of a historic third Champions Trophy title is bolstered by their exceptional spin-bowling department — comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
The team deployed four spinners during their victory over New Zealand, with Chakravarthy delivering an impressive 5 for 42, helping restrict the Black Caps to 205 while chasing 250.
India maintained the same lineup against Australia, and their spin-focused strategy proved successful once again, despite the Dubai pitch offering less turn on this occasion.
SKILLFUL OPPONENTS
Before them stands a New Zealand side aiming to secure their second Champion Trophy title, following their triumph in 2000.
The Black Caps secured their place in the final with a convincing 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore.
At the batting-friendly Gaddafi Stadium, Rachin Ravindra scored a brilliant 108, contributing to New Zealand’s Champions Trophy record total of 362. He stitched a big partnership of 164 runs with senior partner Kane Williamson, who scored 102.
Ravindra has accumulated 226 runs in three matches since recovering from a serious forehead injury sustained during a tri-series match in Pakistan.
New Zealand enter the match with a strong track record against India in ICC competitions, despite India being considered the favourites and expecting substantial support from the 25,000 spectators at the Dubai stadium.