India’s Past Struggles Against New Zealand
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Can India Overcome New Zealand’s Challenge?
Meta Description: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand promises to be a thriller. Here’s why the Kiwis pose a serious threat with their balanced squad, spin attack, and strong ICC record.
India vs New Zealand: A Rivalry Renewed on the Biggest Stage
India and New Zealand will clash in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. While India has been dominant throughout the tournament, New Zealand has a history of excelling in ICC knockout matches. The Kiwis have proven to be a tough opponent for India in past encounters, making this final an exciting contest.
The Dubai pitch has been assisting spinners, and New Zealand’s slow bowlers have the variety to make life difficult for India’s batters.
- Mitchell Santner: The left-arm spinner has been in top form and has troubled India in past matches.
- Michael Bracewell: A steady off-spinner who can control the game in the middle overs.
- Rachin Ravindra & Glenn Phillips: Both offer additional spin options and flexibility in the bowling attack.
India’s batters, especially those who struggle against spin, will need to be cautious against this attack.
New Zealand’s batting lineup is filled with match-winners who can take the game deep and chase down any total.
- Devon Conway & Rachin Ravindra: Provide a solid opening partnership.
- Tom Latham & Glenn Phillips: Reliable middle-order batters with the ability to accelerate.
- Daryl Mitchell & Michael Bracewell: Power hitters who can finish strong.
India’s bowlers will need early wickets to disrupt New Zealand’s rhythm.
In high-pressure games, fielding plays a decisive role. New Zealand is known for its exceptional fielding standards:
- Glenn Phillips & Daryl Mitchell: Among the sharpest fielders in world cricket.
- Quick Ground Coverage: Saves crucial runs in a tight game.
- Brilliant Catching & Direct Hits: Can change the momentum of the match.
India will need to be sharp in their running between the wickets to avoid unnecessary run-outs.
New Zealand has been India’s nemesis in ICC knockout matches in recent years:
- 2019 World Cup Semi-final: India’s dream run ended against New Zealand.
- 2021 World Test Championship Final: Kiwis outplayed India to claim the title.
- 2021 T20 World Cup: India suffered a heavy defeat against New Zealand in the group stage.
This history could give New Zealand a psychological edge going into the final.
- Rohit Sharma vs. Trent Boult – Can India’s captain tackle Boult’s lethal swing?
- Virat Kohli vs. Mitchell Santner – Kohli’s technique against spin will be tested.
- Jasprit Bumrah vs. Devon Conway – A battle between India’s pace spearhead and New Zealand’s anchor.
- Kuldeep Yadav vs. Glenn Phillips – Can Kuldeep outfox Phillips with his variations?
