Champions Trophy 2025- India vs New Zealand, Final Match – Top 3 player battles to watch out for (Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images and FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
The summit clash is coming up between the two-time Champions Trophy winners, India (IND), and the inaugural ICC title winners, New Zealand (NZ). The match will take place on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai.
Notably, the Men in Blue have remained undefeated in the Champions Trophy 2025 edition. However, they might be ahead in the head-to-head record in the ODI matches they have found it challenging to beat the Blackcaps in an ICC knockout match. This will be an opportunity for Rohit and Co. to finally overcome another obstacle.
The Kiwi side might have lost their last game in the group stage against the Indian team but showed their incredible performances in the semi-final match against South Africa. They will also be looking for their second white ball ICC title which they last won in 2000 which was 25 years ago.
Here are three interesting player battles for Champions Trophy 2025 Final:
3. Tom Latham vs Ravindra Jadeja
This might be a battle to look forward to between New Zealand’s star batter Tom Latham and India’s reliable spin bowling all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja. Though Latham is known to be effective in the middle order and a great player of spin. Despite that, he may find himself in a tough battle against Jadeja, who thrives in this phase of the game.
Speaking of the two player’s head-to-head record, Ravindra Jadeja has dismissed the left-hander twice in 50-over cricket. Latham averages just 10 against Jadeja and has a strike rate of only 87.
2. KL Rahul vs Mitchell Santner
This is another left-arm spinner and wicketkeeper battle that could be a deciding factor in the game. New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner is known to be one of the most effective bowlers in the middle overs as well and it will be interesting to see his battle against KL Rahul, who is probably the best player of spin bowling within the Indian team.
Santner has been successful against the Indian batter in ODI cricket where he has dismissed him twice. So far Rahul has only scored 49 runs against him and averages only 24.5. Since the ravishing strokemaker has taken on the finisher’s role at number six, Santner will be one of the bowlers he will want to go after in the upcoming Champions Trophy final clash.
1. Kane Williamson vs Mohammed Shami
Kane Williamson is currently a certified legend in New Zealand cricket and has enjoyed performing against the Indian team but he might face problems against the Indian seam bowling sensation, Mohammed Shami. The fiery pacer has had some great battles in the past.
Notably, the experienced campaigner Kane Williamson scored 83 runs against the pacer at an average of 27.7. Mohammed Shami has dismissed the 34-year-old batter three times in the 50-over format. Hence Shami will hope to get the better of him once again even though he has been in great form so far.
Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.