India and New Zealand are gearing up to face off in the ICC Champions Trophy final. The two teams are set to battle it out for elusive ODI glory. The match is scheduled for March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both teams have key players to watch out for. India will need to find a way to dismiss the talented Rachin Ravindra early in the game, as he has been in top form with five ODI centuries in ICC events. New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, is also a threat with his consistent performances. Mitchell Santner, known for his subtle control, will be a challenge for the Indian batsmen.
The toss may not play a significant role in the match, but both teams are prepared to bat first or second. India is considered the stronger side, but they have a history of losing to New Zealand in global competitions despite being the better team on paper. The match is expected to be a keen contest between two teams of equal strength.
In terms of team composition, India is likely to stick with their winning combination of two pacers and four spinners. There may be a temptation to rest Kuldeep Yadav and bring in a pacer like Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh. New Zealand, on the other hand, may field the same XI that won them the semifinal.
Overall, the final is expected to be a closely fought match between India and New Zealand, with both teams showcasing their skills in a bid for ODI glory. Matt Henry has been nursing a sore shoulder, but is expected to recover in time for selection. However, if there is a last-minute setback, Nathan Smith or Jacob Duffy may step in. There is a possibility of including Devon Conway to match up against India’s left-arm spinners, but Will Young’s recent form and performance in India suggest he should retain his spot in the team. New Zealand has a 3-1 record in ICC knockout matches against India, with their only loss coming in the 2023 World Cup semifinal. Rohit Sharma is the first captain to reach the final in all four Men’s ICC tournaments. Virat Kohli is close to becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Kane Williamson has a strong record against India, scoring 333 runs in his last six innings. Pacers and spinners have been equally successful in the CT matches in Dubai. Coaches from both teams, Sitanshu Kotak and Gary Stead, have commented on the perceived advantage of playing all matches in Dubai.
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