Champions ODI Cup 2025

Final: IND vs NZ

Preview

The stage is set for an exhilarating finale as Team India takes on New Zealand in the Champions Cup ODI 2025 final on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have displayed remarkable form leading up to this big clash, which promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and power hitting. Chance to win big with Real11, so don’t just watch, instead compete and dominate the game with your skills!

The contrasting styles of both teams, combined with their recent successes, promise a thrilling contest. While India typically relies on a blend of aggressive batting and versatile spin bowling, New Zealand balances their game with strategic pace bowling and adaptable batting approaches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an epic battle as both teams aim to lift the Champions Cup ODI trophy.

In their last head-to-head encounter, India faced New Zealand during the group stage of this marquee event before entering the semifinals. In the match, the Men in Blue secured a comprehensive victory by 44 runs, edging out New Zealand in a nail-biting thriller.

For India, Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98) played a pivotal role in anchoring the innings alongside Axar Patel (42 off 61) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 45), guiding their team to a defendable total. Matt Henry picked up a fifer for the Blackcaps. 

Later, in the second half of the game, the Indian bowling attack was led by spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed a five-wicket haul. In contrast, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin bowling successfully stifled the flow of runs, taking two wickets in the process. Former skipper Kane Williamson (81 off 120) played a commendable inning and was pivotal in keeping the scoreboard ticking, but overall, he struggled to build partnerships, ultimately leading to the Kiwis’ downfall.

Match Details

Match: IND vs NZ, Final, Champions Cup ODI 2025

Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025

Time: 02:30 PM

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Squad News

INDIA

India has shown exceptional form leading up to the final, highlighting their dominance in both batting and bowling. In their recent matches, they secured convincing victories thanks to standout performances from batters like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who have consistently delivered strong displays. The bowlers, particularly Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav, have effectively contained opposition batsmen, especially in high-pressure situations. Their semi-final win against a strong Australian side showcased their ability to chase down targets with calculated aggression, reflecting their confidence and depth in both batting and bowling.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has also been formidable, showcasing their competitive edge in crucial encounters. Key players like Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra have been instrumental in laying strong batting foundations. Meanwhile, the bowling attack led by Matt Henry, captain Mitchell Santner, and Ben Dwarshuis have utilised their bowling skills and relentlessly claimed wickets during critical phases of matches. Their recent semi-final performance against an in-form South Africa side demonstrated their resilience, bouncing back from a loss to India in the last group stage match to snatch victory with a strong all-round display. The Kiwis possess a well-balanced side, and their ability to adapt to different match situations will be crucial in the finals.

Pitch and Weather Report

The ground at Dubai International Stadium is well-balanced for both batting and bowling. The skipper who wins the toss will choose to bat first. The pitch will support seam bowlers in the match's early stages, while spinners will prove useful in the middle overs. This ground tends to favour batters, allowing them to contribute throughout the game. Hence, we can surely expect a high-scoring match, with both teams showcasing powerful hitters. 

The weather forecast for the final match on Sunday, March 9, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, predicts sunny conditions with some cloud cover. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be 30 and 24 degrees Celsius, with humidity at 39% and wind speeds of 18 kmph.

IND vs NZ Squads

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

NZ: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.

IND vs NZ Probable Playing XIs

IND: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami.

NZ: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Will O’Rouke, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson.

Match Prediction

With India's powerful batting and fierce bowling attack, they enter the finals as the favorites to win the Champions Cup ODI 2025. Nonetheless, New Zealand's knack for under-pressure performances and tactical approach may result in an unpredictable game. Considering New Zealand's capability to cause an upset, a tightly contested match is anticipated.

Prepare for an exciting, high-scoring battle as both teams leverage their strengths. Fans should fasten their seatbelts, watch the match, and play Fantasy and Opinion-Trading contests on Real11 for an unforgettable final!

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