Match Overview
India and New Zealand are set to square off in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 02, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals, but this clash will decide who tops the group.
The Men in Blue has been in incredible form, winning both of their matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively. Their recent six-wicket victory over the Mohammad Rizwan-led side on February 23 secured them a place in the knockouts. However, ahead of the match against the BlackCaps, there were concerns regarding the fitness of skipper Rohit Sharma and ace pacer Mohammed Shami.
However, KL Rahul and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that both players are fit and available for selection, though the 2013 champions may consider resting key players to manage workloads, with the semifinal match scheduled on March 04.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be looking to finish as group leaders. Mitchell Santner and team have historically performed well against India in ICC tournaments and have players who are in fine form. Michael Bracewell’s four-wicket haul and Rachin Ravindra’s century against Bangladesh helped them secure a place in the knockout stage.
Interestingly, India holds the edge in their head-to-head record, winning 60 of their 118 ODI encounters. Their last ODI meeting was in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, where India came out victorious.
Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in India vs New Zealand, Match 12 of Champions Trophy 2025:
1. Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner
The team’s Champions Trophy 2025 opening against Bangladesh highlighted the rising worry over star Indian batsman Virat Kohli’s difficulty against spin. The 36-year-old faced 10 dot balls against spin and only scored 22 off 38 balls before losing to leg spinner Rishad Hossain. Adil Rashid dismissed him twice during the ODI series against England, highlighting his frustration with his inability to rotate strike.
With Mitchell Santner spearheading the spin assault against New Zealand, Kohli will face a difficult challenge. In 2024, the left-arm spinner took out Kohli twice in a single Test match in Pune and has already removed him three times in ODIs. The wickets in Dubai are favourable to spinners, so Santner’s control and variations may cause the seasoned batsman problems once more. The left-armer’s ability to slow the pace and generate angles in the middle overs would make it difficult for the Delhi native to break out of a bind.
2. Kane Williamson vs Ravindra Jadeja
Kane Williamson, the standout batsman for New Zealand, has had a difficult competition thus far, scoring only one and five runs in his past two innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively. But he recently overtook Stephen Fleming as New Zealand’s all-time top run scorer in ICC ODI competitions. Many people will be anticipating his matchup with Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja.
Jadeja hasn’t played very well either; against Pakistan, he has only claimed one wicket, that of Tayyab Tahir. However, given Williamson’s difficulties against left-arm spinners, India will be hoping Jadeja can take advantage of this vulnerability. This match could be crucial because Williamson averages 67 against Jadeja but has been removed twice in 172 balls. The Men in Blue may have a big advantage in this game if Jadeja can get Williamson early.
3. Shubman Gill vs Matt Henry
Matt Henry, the front-line pacer for New Zealand, and Shubman Gill, the outstanding opener for India, will be a key match to watch. With match-winning efforts, like as an undefeated 101 against Bangladesh in the previous game and a 46-run knock against Pakistan, Gill, the top-ranked ODI hitter right now, has been in outstanding form and led India to the semifinals. He hit an unbeaten 80 to win the match the last time India played New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The young player recently achieved the quickest ODI runs of 2000 and 2500.
The right-hander has done well against Henry, hitting 61 runs in 78 deliveries and losing only one wicket. Richard Hadlee’s record of 158 ODI wickets was recently matched by Henry. His ability to produce pace and movement will put Gill to the test, as evidenced by his average of 25.37 and his four-wicket hauls.
India
