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5 Players Biggest Rivals in IND vs NZ Final: The stage is set for an exciting final as India takes on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match will be played on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (UAE). India has been dominant in Dubai, winning all their matches here, including a victory over New Zealand. However, in a high-pressure final, anything can happen.
5 Players Biggest Rivals in IND vs NZ Final: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
1. Rohit Sharma vs Matt Henry
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has struggled for form in the tournament, scoring just 104 runs in four matches with a highest score of 41. However, if he settles in during the first 7-10 overs, he can be a nightmare for the Kiwi bowlers.
New Zealand will look to counter Rohit with their star pacer, Matt Henry. The fast bowler has been in superb form, taking 10 wickets in the tournament, including a five-wicket haul against India on this very ground. However, he suffered a shoulder injury in the semi-final against South Africa. If he is fit, Henry will be a crucial weapon against India’s top order.
2. Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner
Virat Kohli has been in outstanding form, scoring 217 runs in the tournament, including a century and an 84-run knock against Australia in the semi-final. With an average of 72.33 and a strike rate of 83.14, Kohli will be eager to make an impact in the final.
New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner will be key in stopping Kohli. Known for his smart bowling and ability to build pressure, Santner will try to force Kohli into making a mistake. It will be a fascinating contest between the world-class batter and the crafty spinner.
3. Varun Chakravarthy vs Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson has been New Zealand’s most dependable batter, scoring 220 runs in the tournament, including a century and a fifty. Without the burden of captaincy, Williamson has played with freedom, averaging 48 with a strike rate of 86.
India will rely on mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy to stop Williamson. In their earlier clash, Williamson played him well, scoring 81 runs. However, Chakravarthy has a knack for breaking crucial partnerships, and India will hope he can dismiss Williamson early, just as he did against Travis Head in the semi-final.
4. Rachin Ravindra vs Mohammed Shami
Rachin Ravindra had a poor outing against India in the group stage, scoring only six runs. However, he bounced back strongly with a match-winning century (112) against South Africa in the semi-final.
India’s best bet to stop Ravindra is their experienced pacer Mohammed Shami. Shami has taken eight wickets in the tournament, including a brilliant five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. He didn’t get much of a chance to bowl against New Zealand earlier, but his ability to trouble top-order batters makes him a key player in this contest.
5. Tom Latham vs KL Rahul
Both Tom Latham and KL Rahul have played crucial roles for their respective teams in this tournament. Latham has been a pillar in New Zealand’s middle order, scoring 205 runs at a strike rate of 94, with a best score of 118*.
On the other hand, KL Rahul has been India’s finisher, scoring 106 runs at a strike rate of 97. He played a vital role in India’s semi-final win, showing his ability to accelerate when needed. His battle against New Zealand’s bowlers could be crucial in determining India’s chances of lifting the trophy.
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