India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 Final Highlights: In-Depth Analysis and Latest Updates

 

India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 Final Highlights: In-Depth Analysis and Latest Updates

March 9, 2025 | 6:02 PM IST | Dubai International Cricket Stadium

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is living up to its billing as a clash of titans at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. As of 6:02 PM IST, New Zealand have completed their innings, posting a total of 251 runs in their allotted 50 overs, setting India a target of 252 to clinch the title. With India’s chase yet to begin, let’s dive into the highlights of New Zealand’s innings, break down the key moments, and analyze what lies ahead for Rohit Sharma’s men based on the latest updates.

First Innings Highlights: New Zealand Stumble to 251

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that initially seemed promising but ultimately unraveled under India’s disciplined bowling attack. Here are the standout moments from their innings:

Early Promise Fades Quickly

Rachin Ravindra’s Bright Start: The Kiwi openers, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, got off to a solid start. Ravindra, in particular, looked in fine touch, smashing 37 runs off 37 balls with aggressive strokeplay. His boundary off Mohammed Shami in the first over set the tone, but his stay was cut short by Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled him in the 11th over with a peach of a delivery (NZ: 67/2).

Kuldeep Strikes Twice: India’s wrist-spinner was the game-changer early on. After dismissing Ravindra, he sent back Kane Williamson for just 11 runs in the 13th over, caught and bowled off a sharp-turning ball. Williamson’s departure left New Zealand at 79/3, and the pressure began to mount.

Middle-Order Resilience

Daryl Mitchell’s Fighting Fifty: With the top order wobbling, Daryl Mitchell stepped up, anchoring the innings with a gritty 63 off 73 balls. His knock included several boundaries, notably against Hardik Pandya, before Mohammed Shami exacted revenge in the 46th over, dismissing him to leave NZ at 212/6. Mitchell’s contribution was vital in pushing the total past 200.

Glenn Phillips’ Brief Spark: Phillips injected some momentum with a quickfire 34 off 28 balls, including a four off Ravindra Jadeja in the 31st over. However, Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin proved too much, bowling him in the 37th over (NZ: 167/5). This wicket shifted the momentum back to India.

Late Flourish from Bracewell

Michael Bracewell’s Cameo: Down the order, Michael Bracewell provided a late boost, finishing unbeaten on 36 off 25 balls. His six off Hardik Pandya in the 48th over and regular boundaries in the death overs lifted New Zealand to 251/9. Despite his efforts, the Kiwi tail couldn’t quite capitalize, with Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav keeping the scoring in check.

India’s Bowling Masterclass

Spinners Dominate: Kuldeep Yadav (2 wickets) and Varun Chakravarthy (2 wickets) were the stars, exploiting the slow, turning Dubai pitch. Chakravarthy’s dismissal of Phillips was a turning point, while Kuldeep’s early breakthroughs disrupted New Zealand’s plans.

Shami’s Experience Shines: Mohammed Shami finished with figures of 2/45, his dismissal of Mitchell proving crucial in curbing a potential recovery. Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya chipped in with tight spells, ensuring no Kiwi batter could dominate for long.

Latest News Updates

As of 6:02 PM IST, here’s the latest from the ground:

New Zealand Finish at 251: Reports from Outlook India confirm India restricted New Zealand to 251 runs, with the final overs seeing a flurry of runs from Bracewell but not enough to set a daunting total (Outlook India, 18:00 IST).

Rohit’s Toss Woes Continue: Rohit Sharma lost his 12th consecutive ODI toss, equalling Brian Lara’s unwanted record, per The Economic Times. Yet, India’s bowlers made the most of being asked to field first.

Matt Henry Ruled Out: New Zealand suffered a blow with pacer Matt Henry, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, missing the final due to a shoulder injury sustained in the semi-final (Zee News). Nathan Smith replaced him, but the Kiwis missed Henry’s firepower.

In-Depth Analysis: What Went Right and Wrong for New Zealand?

Strengths

Mitchell’s Anchor Role: Daryl Mitchell’s 63 was the backbone of the innings, showing resilience on a tricky pitch where strokeplay was hard-earned. His ability to rotate the strike and pick boundaries kept New Zealand in the game.

Bracewell’s Late Surge: Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 36 ensured the total crossed 250, a psychological barrier that could test India’s batting depth if early wickets fall.

Weaknesses

Top-Order Collapse: Losing Ravindra, Williamson, and Tom Latham (caught by Jadeja for 19) in quick succession exposed the middle order too early. Williamson’s failure to convert was particularly costly against a spin-heavy attack.

Inability to Accelerate: The Dubai pitch, described as slow and spinner-friendly (The Economic Times), demanded adaptability. New Zealand’s scoring rate hovered around 5 runs per over, lacking the big overs needed to post a challenging total.

What Lies Ahead for India?

Chasing 252 on a pitch that has favored bowlers (average scores in Dubai this tournament range from 220-265, per Business Standard), India will fancy their chances. Here’s the outlook:

Batting Firepower: With Virat Kohli in form (fifties in the last two ICC finals, per Sportstar), alongside Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India’s top order has the class to chase this down. Kohli’s record as ODI cricket’s greatest run-chaser could be decisive.

Spin Challenge: New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell will look to exploit the conditions, but India’s spinners have outbowled their counterparts so far. The absence of Matt Henry weakens the Kiwi pace attack further.

Pressure Points: Early wickets could bring Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul into play sooner, testing India’s middle order. However, their unbeaten run in the tournament (wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Australia) suggests they’re well-equipped to handle pressure.

Prediction

Given India’s bowling dominance and batting depth, they enter the chase as favorites. Historical chases in Dubai this tournament—like India’s 265-run pursuit against Australia in the semi-final (Business Standard)—indicate 252 is within reach. New Zealand will need early breakthroughs and Santner to fire, but India’s form makes them the team to beat.

Stay tuned as the second innings unfolds—this final is poised for a thrilling finish!