IND vs NZ, ICC Champions Trophy Final: Key player battles to watch in the India vs New Zealand showdown

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final is here! The match is set to kick off on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the top two teams ¡ª India and New Zealand ¡ª facing off. This marks India's third consecutive final (2013, 2017), while New Zealand aims for their second title since 2000.

In the group stage, the Men in Blue defeated the Kiwis by 44 runs to secure a spot in the semi-finals, where they went on to beat Australia. Meanwhile, despite their group-stage loss to India, the Black Caps bounced back with a 50-run victory over South Africa in the semi-finals.

?? ? ?? for the final showdown ?

?? Sunday, 9th March
? 1PM local time
?? Dubai International Cricket Stadium#INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/QIYCpxpJuS

¡ª ICC (@ICC) March 8, 2025

As the final showdown approaches, here are some key player battles for fans to watch out for!

Virat Kohli vs William O'Rourke

After the match against Pakistan, Virat Kohli seemed to have rediscovered his top form, scoring two half-centuries and a century in the tournament. On the other hand, William O'Rourke ¡ª a young seamer with impressive pace and control ¡ª has previously troubled Kohli during the Test games, where the Kiwis swept the three-match series. However, with the conditions in Dubai being vastly different, Kohli will be eager to learn from his past mistakes.

Kane Williamson vs Axar Patel

Another batter in top form is Kane "Mama", who smashed his 15th ODI century in the semi-final against the Proteas. Much like Virat Kohli, Williamson often starts cautiously but picks up the pace as his innings progresses. However, India's ace spinner Axar Patel could be a key threat ¡ª known for his accuracy and consistency, Axar has previously troubled Williamson. His ability to maintain pressure will be crucial for India in countering the Kiwi captain's steady yet explosive batting.

Shreyas Iyer vs Mitchell Santner

A key battle to watch out for in the final will be between two in-form players ¡ª Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Santner. Iyer has been a standout in India's middle order, consistently playing at a strike rate of 120-130 and showing a particular knack for attacking spinners. However, Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner poses a serious challenge with his subtle variations and clever bowling, having performed strongly throughout the tournament.

Mohammed Shami vs Rachin Ravindra

Both in top form and proven big-game players, Shami played a pivotal role in India's semi-final win, dismissing Steve Smith, while Ravindra scored his second century of the 2025 Champions Trophy against South Africa. Shami will aim to strike early with the new ball, having dismissed Ravindra twice in ODIs. Their showdown could be crucial in shaping the outcome of the final.

Kuldeep Yadav vs Glenn Phillips

While Glenn Phillips is known for his exceptional fielding, he is also a powerful batter and a handy spinner. India's wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be keeping a close eye on him. Though Kuldeep is a proven wicket-taker, he can be expensive at times but has the skill to outsmart batters. In four ODI innings, Phillips averages 20 against Kuldeep, scoring 33 runs off 33 balls (SR 60.80) with one dismissal. Their battle could play a crucial role in deciding the final's outcome.

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