The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is set to take place on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
However, New Zealand’s preparations have been marred by an injury concern involving their key pacer, Matt Henry.
He sustained a shoulder injury in New Zealand’s semi-final match against South Africa in Lahore, and his fitness for the final has been questioned.
Injury Details
Key New Zealand bowler Matt Henry injured his shoulder attempting to hold a catch in the semi-final. He was able to hold the catch but landed awkwardly on his right shoulder and was in pain right away.
While he was able to bowl later in the match, Henry’s final is uncertain. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner described the injury as “a bit sore,” and said that the team will wait a couple of days to assess how Henry is.
Impact on New Zealand
Matt Henry has been a major contributor to New Zealand’s campaign, most prominently in the match against India in the group stage, where he claimed five wickets.
New Zealand’s bowling strategy would be hugely impacted in his absence as he has always been a nuisance for Indian batsmen throughout his cricketing career.
Henry has 21 Indian wickets in 11 matches with a good average of 21 and a strike rate of 28.
Tactical Edge New Zealand
Despite a potential loss to Henry, New Zealand is a challenging opponent for India. New Zealand boasts a well-rounded bowling line-up with a powerful spin unit led by Mitchell Santner, supported by Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.
This depth in spin could be leveraged to good effect in Dubai International Cricket Stadium conditions, where spinners have been a big factor in previous games.
India’s Challenge
India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, will have to counter New Zealand’s strategic edge, most prominently in handling the Kiwi seamers who have shown themselves capable of getting a lot of movement with the new ball.
India’s top order has not handled bowling like this in recent ICC events well, and therefore will have to devise a strategy to handle New Zealand’s fast bowlers.
The final promises to be a battle for both sides to win the highly prized ICC trophy.
India is seeking to break their drought since their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, while New Zealand is seeking to avenge their recent group-stage loss and capture their first white-ball international title since the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy.
