The final match of the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is being played between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. There is tremendous enthusiasm among cricket lovers about this match, as both the teams have great strategies in their own way. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has won the toss and decided to bowl first, while the Indian team has also made one change in its playing XI.
In this match, one change has been made in both India and New Zealand teams. The Indian team has included an additional spin bowler in its playing XI, while New Zealand has replaced a batsman in its team and given an all-rounder a chance. Indian team captain Rohit Sharma has rested Harshit Rana and included Varun Chakraborty in the team for this match. At the same time, New Zealand has included Daryl Mitchell in its team in place of Devon Conway.
Changes in India’s playing XI
Indian team captain Rohit Sharma, while reacting to the changes made in his team after this match, said, “We wanted to bat first in this match so that we can anticipate the challenges related to this pitch and conditions before the semi-finals. We want our spinners to play their role strongly in this match, and for this we are including an additional spinner in the team.”
Rohit Sharma also told that Harshit Rana has been rested in this match, and Varun Chakraborty has been given a chance in his place. Chakraborty is getting a chance to play in the ICC ODI tournament for the first time, and all eyes will be on his performance in this match. The Indian team had taken a total of 19 wickets in the last two matches, with the spin bowlers performing very well in the middle overs. Apart from this, Indian fast bowlers also took wickets, which was a positive sign for the team.
India’s playing XI is as follows:
Rohit Sharma (captain)
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
Axar Patel
KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Mohammed Shami
Kuldeep Yadav
Varun Chakraborty
Changes in New Zealand’s playing XI
New Zealand has also made an important change in its team. Team captain Mitchell Santner has included Daryl Mitchell in the team in place of Devon Conway. Daryl Mitchell is a good all-rounder and has the ability to perform effectively in both batting and bowling. Mitchell’s inclusion in the team will give New Zealand the option of an additional batsman and bowler, which can prove to be helpful during the match.
New Zealand’s playing XI is as follows:
Will Young
Rachin Ravindra
Kane Williamson
Darryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
Glenn Phillips
Michael Bracewell
Mitchell Santner (captain)
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
William O’Rourke
Toss and match situation
After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner decided to bowl first. This decision is important for them, because the Dubai pitch can be affected by dew and batsmen may find it difficult to play stealthily. Apart from this, there can be a slight advantage for the bowlers in the first innings, especially for the fast bowlers. However, if India had chosen to bat first, it would have tried to score well on this pitch, so that New Zealand could be challenged.
Competition between India and New Zealand
The match between India and New Zealand has always been exciting and competitive. Both teams are equally strong, and high level cricket is seen in every match between them. India’s batting is led by experienced batsmen like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who have the ability to score big on any pitch. At the same time, New Zealand’s batting has players like Kane Williamson, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell, who can handle the innings in any challenging situation.
In terms of spin bowlers, India has bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakraborty, who are capable of taking wickets in the middle overs of the match. At the same time, New Zealand has spin bowlers like Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, who can play an important role in this match.
This match between India and New Zealand is not only the last match of the group stage, but can also decide the direction of the semi-finals for both the teams. Both teams would like to strengthen their position in the semi-finals by winning this match. India has experience and variety in batting and bowling, while the New Zealand team also has the ability to perform brilliantly in any situation. There will be a lot at stake for both teams in this match, and cricket lovers can expect to witness a thrilling contest.
