India vs New Zealand – Champions Trophy Final: Key Battles and Predictions

The grand finale is gearing up for a showdown as India faces New Zealand in what has been long awaited, the Champions Trophy Final, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. Mega match will begin at 1:00 PM IST. Both teams have played impressively throughout the tournament, and so the battle is worthy to watch.

India is not just coming into this last dance; they have put together performances demonstrating their depth in both batting and bowling. The wise head here is Rohit Sharma. With him are the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, and the newer additions of Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh. The Men in Blue are now looking for yet another trophy to add to their cabinet. 

New Zealand, on their part, has shown character and endurance throughout this tournament under their astute captain Mitchell Santner. There has been a great emphasis on their bowlers, and so far it has worked, with Matt Henry doing the heavy work. But at the top, Williamson and Rachin Ravindra have been too good to easily fall.

Key Battles to Watch

There will be some interesting battles between the players of both teams. Check out the interesting match up to watch for in the India vs New Zealand match.

Mohammed Shami vs. Rachin Ravindra

One of the most exciting contests unfolds between India’s new ball alternate, Mohammad Shami, and the flamboyant New Zealand opener, Rachin Ravindra. Shami’s bowling has been instrumental after claiming three crucial wickets in the semi-final for India’s progression.

It must be said that Ravindra has been truly outstanding, smashing two centuries already in the tournament. Moreover, Shami has dismissed him twice in their three ODIs, but Ravindra’s aggressive attitude in the powerplay, the proof being striking at 98.83, will certainly pose a serious threat. This face-off could well set the match’s tone.

The fact that he can handle pace and spin with equal ease indicates that he has been a standout performer. If he can get through Shami’s deadly opening spell, New Zealand will be in the perfect position to either set a competitive total or chase down a target with great confidence. Meanwhile, Shami will be completely focused on breaking Ravindra’s rhythm early in the action.

If you love making cricket match predictions, this is the best way to win massive cash rewards. The IPL 2025 is just around the corner. Make IPL 2025 match Prediction on Winexch and win real cash rewards.

Virat Kohli vs Matt Henry

When it comes to the marquee battles, not much competes with the sheer intensity of Virat Kohli versus Matt Henry. Of course, it is to Kohli that this will make the toughest reading. Henry, the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 10, got the better of Kohli during the league stage, sending him back for just 11.

Henry has undermined Kohli twice in six ODIs. The maestro from India averages 57 runs off 67 balls when faced with the New Zealand bowler, but Kohli’s amazing form of 217 runs at an impressive average of 72.33 cannot be ignored. If early on he can find his rhythm, Henry might probably have his hands full trying to keep a lid on India’s chase master.

Kohli’s appetite for big matches is well known. The India vs New Zealand match will be crucial for him. He will look to take the Kiwis to the cleaners from the word go, with his immaculate timing and aggressive mindset. Henry, on the other hand, controls the line and length well, though with his tricky bounce he moves the ball in placid tracks. This battle might just swing the momentum in favor of the winner.

The TATA IPL 2025 will be the best chance for you to win huge rewards. Make IPL score prediction on Winexch and win massive rewards. Sign up now.

Varun Chakravarthy vs Kane Williamson

India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, will have a key role against calm and composed Kiwi captain Kane Williamson. Chakravarthy has had an excellent tournament, taking five wickets against the Kiwis and two against Australia.

On the contrary, Williamson has proven to be tactful in negotiation with Chakravarthy in his league-stage masterclass that saw an 81-run knock out from him. Williamson presents a leg-spin average of 42.86 in ODIs and will be instrumental in stabilizing New Zealand’s innings should they lose early wickets. Will Chakravarthy break Williamson’s fortress this time?

Chakravarthy’s variations, such as his carrom ball and sharp googlies, are bound to create rough waters for Williamson. Will the calm demeanor of the Kiwi captain and his ability to read spinners early make this really an epic battle? If Chakravarthy can fool Williamson with his unorthodox deliveries, India would have a significant upper hand in the middle overs.

Team Squads

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Rishabh Pant, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh,

New Zealand Squad: Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell,  Mitchell Santner (c), William ORourke, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Jacob Duffy, Will Young, Kyle Jamieson 

Final prediction

For the India vs New Zealand final match, both teams come armed with match winners, thereby making this a battle as much in the nerves as in the skill department. India’s potent pace attack spearheaded by Shami and including come-backing spinners Chakravarthy and Kuldeep will take on New Zealand’s line-up, composed according to Williamson and the explosive Ravindra, in batting order.

As far as fireballs are concerned, there is Matt Henry, who is a scorcher with the ball in hand. If he can strike early blows on the Indian top order, then New Zealand’s chances are higher. The contest may boil down to how India’s experienced middle order, roped in by Kohli and Rahul, tackle the Kiwi pace battery at the end. 

Both captains, Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner, will be crucial to strategizing and taking daring calls on the field. While Sharma’s often aggressive captaincy puts India in strong positions, Santner’s tactical acumen will be put to the test against a deep batting lineup of India. 

Fans can expect very edge-of-their-seat spectacles in this grand finale, as both teams will be fighting hand over fist for title glory in Dubai. The battle between bat and ball, strategy moves, and individual brilliance of star players may well make this final memorable.

FAQs

Q1: When and where will the Champions Trophy 2025 final be played?

A: The Champions Trophy final match will be played at the Dubai international cricket stadium on March 9th, 2025.

Q2: Who are the top players to watch in the Champions Trophy final 2025?

A: Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli, and Varun Chakravarthy, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, and Kane Williamson are the key players to watch in the Champions Trophy final 2025.

Q3: How has been the performance of Matt Henry in the Champions Trophy 2025?

A: Matt Henry has been exceptional in this Champions Trophy. He is the current leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets in the bucket.

Q4: What is Rachin Ravindra’s strike rate in the Champions Trophy 2025?

A: Rachin Ravindra’s strike rate in this Champions Trophy 2025 is 98.83.