As India prepares to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, there are several reasons why Rohit Sharma’s team should be cautious about their opponents.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, has shown remarkable resilience and skill throughout the tournament, making them a formidable opponent in the final.
1. Spin Bowling Options
New Zealand boasts a diverse and potent spin attack, led by Mitchell Santner, who has been instrumental in controlling the middle overs.
Alongside Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra provide a variety of spin options that can exploit the spin-friendly conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This depth in spin bowling is comparable to India’s own arsenal, making it a key area of competition in the final.
2. Batting Depth and Resilience
New Zealand’s batting lineup has shown impressive depth and resilience, particularly in their semi-final match against South Africa.
Twin centuries by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson set the stage for a strong total, while Glenn Phillips’ explosive batting in the death overs further bolstered their score.
This ability to build partnerships and accelerate at the right moments will pose a significant challenge for India’s bowling attack.
3. Athletic Fielding and Tactical Acumen
New Zealand is renowned for their exceptional fielding skills, which can significantly impact the game by saving crucial runs and taking sharp catches.
Additionally, Mitchell Santner’s tactical acumen as captain has been evident in his team’s strategic decisions, such as setting up the right bowling combinations to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
This tactical awareness will be crucial in outsmarting India’s strong batting lineup.
Recent Performance Against India
In their recent group-stage match, India dominated New Zealand, restricting them to 205 runs and successfully defending a target of 249.
However, New Zealand will be keen to avenge this loss and has had the opportunity to analyze India’s strengths and weaknesses, particularly in the conditions at Dubai.
This familiarity with the venue and opponent could make them more prepared for the final.
