Credit: ICC
New Zealand have looked disciplined in the Champions Trophy 2025 and their diligence has landed them in Dubai where they will take on India in the final to be played on March 9, 2025. The Mitchell Santner-led team has troubled India a lot in recent years across all formats and they will look to do the same to halt the juggernaut of Rohit Sharma’s side.
In this article, SportsTiger looks at New Zealand’s probable playing XI versus India for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
Openers: Will Young and Rachin Ravindra
Will Young and Rachin Ravindra have done a fabulous job as openers for the Black Caps and both will strive to provide a quality start to their team against the Men in Blue in Dubai. Ravindra’s endeavour will be to continue his brilliant form and deliver a headache to Team India bowlers on the big day.
Middle-order batters: Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham
Kane Williamson has played a lot of cricket against India and his records are exceptional against the Rohit Sharma-led team. Daryl Mitchell regained his form against South Africa in the semi-final but he will go through a litmus test against the two-time title winners who will enter the contest as an unbeaten pack. Tom Latham hasn’t performed upto the expectations in the last couple of matches but as a senior player, he will have to step up and deliver an effective knock in the high-profile contest.
All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Mitchell Santner
Glenn Phillips has the potential to play big shots against any quality bowling line-up. The Kiwi team management will want their 28-year-old all-rounder to hammer India’s bowling unit while batting in the lower-middle-order. Phillips will also be seen reinforcing his team’s spin attack which has big names such as captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell. Along with Phillips, both spinners will also look to make crucial contributions to New Zealand with their bats if required.
Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson
Nathan Smith might be seen replacing the Black Caps’ premier pacer Matt Henry, who might not show up in the final after picking up an injury in the knockout match against South Africa in Lahore. Smith along with youngster Will O’Rourke will have to provide assistance to Kyle Jamieson, who is most likely to spearhead the Kiwi team’s fast-bowling unit.
