India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal cricket match between India and Australia at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. AP Photo/Christopher Pike India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal cricket match between India and Australia at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. AP Photo/Christopher Pike

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as India take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sundaywwwbrlw, March 9. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian side has been dominant throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten as they aim to secure another ICC trophy. (Preview | More Cricket News)

New Zealand, on the other hand, have had an impressive campaign as well, storming into the final after a record-breaking victory against South Africa in the semi-final. The Black Caps posted the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history and won the match by 50 runs, making them a formidable opponent for the Men in Blue.

India faced a minor injury scare when batting maestro Virat Kohli was struck near his knee during a practice session. The incident forced him to halt his training, but after receiving medical attention, he assured his teammates that the injury was not serious. The Indian coaching staff later confirmed that Kohli is fit to play in the final.

Meanwhile, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has been dealing with pain in his legs throughout the tournament. However, with his exceptional record in ICC events, India is expected to retain him in the playing XI. The team has relied on a spin-heavy attack, featuring four specialist spinners alongside two seamers, a strategy that has worked well in Dubai’s conditions.

For New Zealand, the biggest concern is Matt Henry’s shoulder injury. The pace bowler sustained the injury during the semi-final but continued to bowl a few overs. The Kiwi camp is optimistic about his availability for the final, as his experience will be crucial against India’s strong batting lineup.

India has already defeated New Zealand once in the tournament, securing a victory in their group-stage clash last Sunday. The Men in Blue also overcame Australia in the semi-final, showcasing their all-round dominance.

New Zealand, however, will take confidence from their explosive batting display against South Africa in the semi-final. Openers Rachin Ravindra and former skipper Kane Williamson have been in fine form, while the middle-order has provided valuable contributions. The Black Caps also had success in the tri-series in Pakistan before the Champions Trophy, adding to their momentum.

"I started this match really good but I couldn't hold the lead and then when he started playing well, it was hard for me to find answers in the rallies," soft-spoken Lakshya said, his eyes staring into nothing.

Zii Jia claimed victory in the bronze medal match defeating Lakshya 13-21, 21-16, 21-11 in a clash that lasted 71 minutes. This is the first time since London 2012 Games that India will come back from the Olympics without a badminton medal.

With both teams boasting world-class talent and big-match experience, the final promises to be a thrilling contest. India will look to extend their unbeaten streak and claim another ICC title, while New Zealand, known for their resilience in global tournaments,fef777 will aim to clinch their first-ever Champions Trophy.

India Vs New Zealand, Final - Predicted XIs

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

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Kyle Jamieson

As the stage for an interesting finale is set, let's take a look at three key player battles which will be worth watching out for

1. Virat Kohli Vs William O'Rourke

Virat Kohli is in fine form and has already scored two half-centuries and a century in the tournament. He likes to take his time early in his inning and mend his inning according to the situation. William O'Rourke, on the other hand, is a young seamer who has a decent pace and length in his deliveries. He created some trouble for Kohli in the Test series where the Kiwis clean swept the three-match series. But the conditions will be different in Dubai and Kohli will be eager to mend his mistakes and dominate him in the final.

2. Kane Williamson Vs Axar Patel

Kane Williamson scored his 15th ODI century in the semi-final match against South Africa, which makes him a significant concern for India in the final. He tends to start slowly but maintains a strike rate of around 100. With a wide range of shots, he can accelerate his innings whenever needed. India's ace spinner, Axar Patel, has the ability to bowl consistently at one length and has previously troubled Williamson. He will be an important weapon for India against this premier batter.

3. Shreyas Iyer Vs Mitchell Santner

India's middle-order mainstay Shreyas Iyer has performed well in the tournament and also during the home series against England. He comes to bat at number four and has the ability to play at a strike rate of 120-130. He likes to target spinners and New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner will try to take a chance against him. Santner is a prime Kiwi spinner and has done well in the tournament so far. The battle between the two players will be worth watching on Sunday.wwwbrlw