Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand – Preview, Prediction and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

India will face New Zealand in their final league match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2.

India vs New Zealand: Preview

Scroll down to the form guide—actually, scratch that. Spoiler alert: both teams come into this match with an unbroken streak of WWWWW. India and New Zealand are two formidable ODI sides, in prime title-contending form, boasting depth and balance courtesy of their allrounders. Their squad compositions make them particularly well-suited for the conditions at this Champions Trophy, especially in Dubai, where spin options and adaptable batting line-ups could be decisive.

Beyond current form, their recent history—especially over the past five years—adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter.

On paper, this should be a high-stakes showdown. In reality, it’s more of a prelude. Both teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals, with their venues and schedules confirmed. The only question left is who they will face—either South Africa or Australia—though neither opponent is likely to be seen as a “preferred” matchup.

Given the short turnaround before the knockouts, particularly for India, who play their semi-final on March 4, Sunday’s clash might not see peak intensity. Resting key players is a real possibility, and as India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted on Friday, some bowlers may not even complete their full 10-over spells.

There’s one player whose intensity never wavers on the field, and he’s about to mark a significant milestone. Virat Kohli is set to play his 300th ODI, becoming the 22nd cricketer and the seventh Indian to reach this landmark. With ODIs being played less frequently and his closest contemporaries—Mushfiqur Rahim (274) and Rohit Sharma (272)—still some distance away, could Kohli be the last to achieve this feat?

Last year, Stephen Fleming made a striking observation about Indian cricket, saying, “Looking at the amount of talent that is on the show… I am very jealous.” The former New Zealand captain was comparing India’s depth of talent to his own country’s limited resources. However, when reminded that New Zealand consistently outperforms India in global tournaments, he simply laughed it off.

But the numbers are no joke. With a 10-5 record in major ICC events—including victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final—New Zealand holds a clear edge. They also won their only previous clash in this competition, triumphing in the ICC Knockout 2000 final. While Sunday’s Champions Trophy encounter won’t impact qualification, as both teams are already through to the semi-finals, it will determine who tops Group A and carries momentum into the knockouts.

So why does New Zealand continue to dominate India despite having fewer resources? One possible explanation lies in the security their players enjoy. Unlike India, where constant competition for places creates pressure, New Zealand’s squad stability allows players to perform with confidence. KL Rahul acknowledged this ahead of the game, admitting, “I won’t lie,” when asked about the competition with Rishabh Pant for a spot in the XI.

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson shared his insights with Cricbuzz, highlighting how the Black Caps’ structured approach gives them an edge. “New Zealand players are really well-drilled, very well-coached. They all know their roles clearly because there isn’t a huge amount of competition for places. That allows them to focus on winning as a team rather than playing for their spots,” he explained.

Hesson also emphasized New Zealand’s mental resilience in high-pressure situations. “They don’t get overawed. India has a lot of talented players, but so does New Zealand. The Black Caps succeed because they understand their roles and function seamlessly as a unit. Their fielding, in particular, has been superior to most teams, and I’d expect them to continue that in the semifinal.”

India, however, can take confidence from their most recent triumph over New Zealand on the global stage. They delivered a dominant performance in the 2023 World Cup semifinal in Mumbai, where the entire top order—Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul—fired in unison. Replicating that commanding display will be the goal on Sunday.

With a semifinal spot already secured, India might look to rotate their squad and provide game time to those yet to feature in the tournament. Rohit Sharma, who batted extensively on Friday night, has eased concerns over a hamstring niggle, but a precautionary rest wouldn’t be surprising. Mohammed Shami, recovering from knee surgery, and Kuldeep Yadav could also be given a breather, potentially making way for Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy.

KL Rahul acknowledged the possibility of changes but remained uncertain. “I’m sure there will be some temptation. We’ve been in these situations before, where you want to give chances to those who haven’t played. But I don’t know if that will happen in a Champions Trophy,” he said on Friday, before adding, “This is my version. It might be very different tomorrow.”

In all likelihood, it won’t be too different from what Rahul expects.

India vs New Zealand: Head-to-head

• Matches Played: 118
• Won by India: 60
• Won by New Zealand: 50
• Tied: 1
• No Result: 7
• First-ever Fixture: June 14, 1975
• Most-recent Fixture: November 15, 2023

India vs New Zealand: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Dubai has proven to be the most favorable venue for spinners among the four Champions Trophy locations, with an average of 37.07 and an economy rate of 4.36. Rawalpindi follows closely, with figures of 40.60 and 4.81.

India’s high-quality spin attack has undoubtedly played a role in these numbers. However, rather than being sharp turners, Dubai’s pitches have generally been on the slower side, with the large outfield further aiding spinners.

In previous matches, both Bangladesh and Pakistan opted to bat first against India after winning the toss, indicating that dew hasn’t been a major factor during this time of year. Given the tendency of the surface to slow down over a full match, batting first might still be the preferred choice.

Sunday’s weather is expected to be clear and pleasant, with a high of 24°C. While mornings and nights have been chilly, conditions during the game should remain ideal for cricket. The toss-winning captain may lean towards batting first, but India is unlikely to have any concerns about chasing.

India vs New Zealand: Recent Form

India WWWWW (last five ODIs, most recent first)
New Zealand WWWWW

India vs New Zealand: Team News and Predicted XI

India – Team News

India might consider a couple of alterations to their lineup, though Rohit Sharma’s participation remains uncertain. Despite dealing with a hamstring issue, the skipper looked comfortable during an extended batting session on Friday. Mohammed Shami could be rested in favor of Arshdeep Singh, while Varun Chakravarthy might get a chance in place of Kuldeep Yadav.

The team skipped training on Saturday, but Rishabh Pant spent considerable time in the nets a day earlier, hinting at a possible inclusion. Since recovering from his car accident, he has featured in just one ODI, back in July 2024. With New Zealand potentially fielding up to five left-handers in their top eight, India might consider bringing in offspinner Washington Sundar at the expense of one of their left-arm finger spinners. If Pant is included, his left-handed presence in the top five could reduce the necessity of using Axar Patel as a floating option.

India – Predicted XI

1. Rohit Sharma (capt)
2. Shubman Gill
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Washington Sundar
9. Harshit Rana
10. Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakravarthy
11. Mohammed Shami/Arshdeep Singh.

New Zealand – Team News

With their spot in the knockouts already secured, New Zealand might look to rest players dealing with minor injuries. However, Daryl Mitchell is back to full fitness after missing the Bangladesh clash due to illness. His return presents a selection dilemma for Santner and Stead, as Rachin Ravindra, who stepped in for Mitchell, delivered a superb century.

Interestingly, Ravindra himself was returning from injury, having been replaced earlier in the tournament by Will Young, who also made an impact with a century in the opener against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Devon Conway has been in good form as well, narrowly missing a ton with his 97 against South Africa in the tri-series leading up to the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand – Predicted XI

1. Devon Conway
2. Rachin Ravindra
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham (wk)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner (capt)
9. Kyle Jamieson
10. Matt Henry
11. Will O’Rourke

India vs New Zealand: Players To Watch Out For

Shreyas Iyer (India)

India’s batting lineup hasn’t encountered a significant challenge in the Champions Trophy so far. Having chased modest targets of 229 and 242 in their two matches, they have yet to be truly tested. However, Sunday’s clash against New Zealand is expected to be more demanding, especially in the middle overs, where Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell’s spin could pose a threat.

This is where Shreyas Iyer’s role becomes crucial. While Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have maintained strike rates in the low 80s against spin in the middle overs since 2023, Iyer has been far more aggressive, scoring at 95.24. New Zealand are well aware of his ability, as he hammered five sixes while smashing 48 off 35 balls against their spinners during his century in the 2023 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai.

Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand)

If Virat Kohli’s era represents India’s golden generation, its peak likely came during the inaugural World Test Championship (2019-21). India might have secured that title if not for the brilliance of Kyle Jamieson. The towering all-rounder, who dominated that final, has since endured a challenging period, primarily due to injuries.

Now, for the first time since December 2021, he is set to face India in any format. While Jamieson has yet to replicate his Test success in ODIs, the prospect of playing against his favorite opposition might just inspire a standout performance.

India vs New Zealand: Prediction

Scenario 1

• Toss: India win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay Score: 40-45
• New Zealand Total: 250-255
• Match Result: India win the match

Scenario 2

• Toss: New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay Score: 50-55
• India Total: 260-265
• Match Result: New Zealand win the match

When and Where To Watch India vs New Zealand LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Group A encounter between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in United Arab Emirates. The match will commence at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss set for 2:00 PM. Fans can watch the live broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

Read More: Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa Crush England To Secure A Spot in The Semi-finals

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