Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand, Final Match – Top 3 Player Battles to Look Out For

India (IND), the two-time Champions Trophy champions, and New Zealand (NZ), the first-ever ICC title winners, will face off at the summit. The game will be played in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.

Notably, in the Champions Trophy 2025 edition, the Men in Blue have not lost. They have struggled to defeat the Blackcaps in an ICC knockout match, despite having a better head-to-head record in ODI encounters. Rohit and company will have the chance to ultimately get beyond yet another challenge.

Even though the Kiwi squad lost their most recent group stage match against the Indian team, they still put on amazing displays against South Africa in the semi-final. Additionally, they will be vying for their second white ball ICC championship, which they previously achieved 25 years ago in 2000.

Here are three interesting player battles for Champions Trophy 2025 Final:

1. Kane Williamson vs Mohammed Shami

Even though Kane Williamson is a living legend in New Zealand cricket, he may have trouble against Mohammed Shami, the Indian seam bowling superstar. In the past, the feisty pacer has engaged in some epic battles.

Against the pacer, Kane Williamson, an accomplished campaigner, amassed 83 runs at an average of 27.7. In the 50-over format, Mohammed Shami has twice removed the 34-year-old batsman. Therefore, despite his recent excellent form, Shami will aim to defeat him once more.

2. KL Rahul vs Mitchell Santner

The outcome of this match could be determined by the duel between the wicketkeeper and left-arm spinners. In the middle overs, Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand, is regarded as one of the most potent bowlers. It would be intriguing to watch him face KL Rahul, the Indian team’s greatest spin bowler.

Santner has twice removed the Indian hitter in ODI cricket, demonstrating his effectiveness against him. Rahul averages just 24.5 runs per game and has only scored 49 runs against him thus far. He would want to target Santner in the forthcoming Champions Trophy final match because the stunning strokemaker has assumed the role of finisher at number six.

3. Tom Latham vs Ravindra Jadeja

Tom Latham, the standout batsman for New Zealand, and Ravindra Jadeja, the dependable spin bowling all-rounder for India, might be a match to watch. Despite his reputation as a superb spinner, Tom Latham is also noted for his effectiveness in the middle order. He might, however, have a difficult opponent in Jadeja, who excels at this stage of the game.

In terms of the two players’ head-to-head record, Ravindra Jadeja has twice removed the left-hander from the game in 50 overs. Latham’s strike rate against Jadeja is a pitiful 87, and he averages just 10.