New Zealand and India will face each other again in the Champions Trophy final this Sunday. The Black Caps hope for a different outcome after losing to India by 44 runs in their last group stage match. The game will take place in Dubai the same venue as before with many expecting another Indian victory.
India’s Strong Run
India has dominated the tournament winning all four matches played in Dubai. Unlike New Zealand, which traveled to different stadiums, India stayed in one place, adjusting well to the conditions. Many believe they have the strongest team in the tournament.
India aims to secure another major white ball trophy after their T20 World Cup win in 2024. Meanwhile, New Zealand is looking for its first major ICC trophy since winning the Champions Trophy in 2000. Despite not winning many titles New Zealand consistently reaches the later stages of global tournaments.
New Zealand’s Fighting Spirit
The Black Caps have played in five finals since 2000. They reached two 50 over World Cup finals, one T20 World Cup final and two Champions Trophy finals. They often enter as underdogs but always put up a fight.
New Zealand recently proved their strength by defeating India 3-0 in a Test series. They also showed their class in the semi-final against South Africa, winning by 50 runs. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored centuries, while Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell contributed quick fifties. Captain Mitchell Santner took three crucial wickets, limiting South Africa to 312-9.
However, New Zealand has some concerns. Fast bowler Matt Henry injured his shoulder in the semi-final while taking a catch. His presence is crucial, as he has taken the most wickets in the tournament. Head coach Gary Stead remains hopeful about his recovery.
Key Challenges for New Zealand
New Zealand must improve their death bowling. In their semi-final match, Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke conceded 48 runs in the last three overs, allowing David Miller to score a quick century. If they repeat this against India, Hardik Pandya could take full advantage.
India’s Strengths
India’s bowling has been outstanding. In the semi-final against Australia, they restricted the opposition to just 66 runs in the last 13 overs. Even without injured star Jasprit Bumrah, India’s bowlers, including Mohammed Shami and four skilled spinners have performed well.
India’s batting lineup is also powerful. Shubman Gill averages 60, Virat Kohli is one of the best in run chases and Hardik Pandya adds strength with both bat and ball. Captain Rohit Sharma leads from the front while KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have played crucial innings.
Gill praised the team’s batting depth, saying, “This is the best batting lineup I have been part of. It gives us the freedom to play without pressure.”
Can New Zealand Cause an Upset?
India is the clear favorite. However, they were also favorites in the 2023 World Cup final but lost to Australia. New Zealand will hope history repeats itself, with Ravindra and Santner playing key roles just like Travis Head and Pat Cummins did for Australia.
New Zealand believes they can win. They had India struggling at 30-3 in the last game defeated them in Test cricket won the 2021 World Test Championship final and beat them in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
There is also an interesting coincidence. In 2000, New Zealand won the Champions Trophy from India in the Final game. New Zealand’s women team won their 1st T20 World Cup title in 2024, their men’s team has another shot at the Champions Trophy.
Is it fate? The underdogs might just have their moment.
