IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win the Champions Trophy 2025 Final?

The high-voltage encounter IND vs NZ is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, starting at 2:30 PM IST. Indian cricket fans can catch India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team ICC Champions Trophy final live action on Star Sports Network channels, while those who prefer streaming can watch it on the JioHotstar app.

IND vs NZ Match Details

IND vs NZ Match Prediction Today: Head-to-Head Record

The two heavyweight teams of the cricketing world, India and New Zealand, have faced each other a total of 119 times in ODI cricket history. In this rivalry, India has dominated, emerging victorious in 61 matches, while New Zealand has won 50 games. This record highlights the intense competition between these two great teams.

India and New Zealand have faced each other only twice in Champions Trophy history. New Zealand secured victory in their first encounter against a formidable Indian team. However, in this edition of the tournament, India defeated the Kiwis in their last group-stage match, leveling the record and maintaining momentum ahead of the final.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will aim to take the lead to 2-1 by securing another triumph over India in this highly anticipated clash. Most importantly, they will be looking to claim their second Champions Trophy title, while India will also have the same goal in mind.

India vs New Zealand Prediction: Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

The weather conditions at this venue are ideal for cricket, with a match-day temperature of around 29°C and clear skies. No disruptions are expected, ensuring a full game for both teams. The pitch appears batting-friendly but is likely to assist spinners as the match progresses due to its dry nature and lack of grass, as observed in the India-Australia game.

The fresh, bouncy surface will provide good pace, allowing the ball to come onto the bat smoothly, making stroke play easier. However, the wicket’s dryness could challenge batters later in the game. The average first-innings score here is 260, but with New Zealand’s strong bowling attack, the team batting first will need to exceed this total to stay competitive.

While the conditions favor batters, spinners will also play a crucial role. Dubai International Cricket Stadium has unique characteristics due to its circular, concrete-built structure, which influences pitch behavior differently than other UAE venues.

Average 1st innings score

The average first innings score in the overall 62 ODIs played in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is 260, while it was seen that this average score decreased in the last 5 ODIs and reduced to 245 in the past one and a half year.

Chasing Record

Chasing has been the key to success at this venue, with teams winning 37 out of 62 ODIs while batting second. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss has proven to be a strong strategy, as teams winning the toss have a 63% success rate. India’s comfortable chase of 265 in 48.1 overs further reinforces the advantage of batting second, making the toss a crucial factor in determining the match’s outcome.

However, the semi-finals of this year’s Champions Trophy saw a different trend, with both toss-winning teams choosing to bat first. While this move backfired for Australia, it worked in New Zealand’s favor. Given the high stakes of the final, the toss-winning team might prefer to set a target, reducing the pressure of chasing.

They could then rely on their bowlers to apply pressure in the second innings, knowing the opposition already faces scoreboard pressure. Ultimately, the toss decision will depend on each team’s strategy. While statistics favor fielding first, the intensity of a final may lead captains to opt for batting first as a tactical approach.

Weather Report

The weather at this ground is ideal for cricket. On match day, the temperature is expected to be around 24°C with clear skies. There is no chance of bad weather, which is great news for both teams, ensuring the match will be played without any interruptions.

IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Probable Playing XI (Predicted)

India National Cricket Team Probable Playing 11 Against New Zealand

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Shami.

New Zealand National Cricket Team Probable Playing 11 Against India

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Philips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke.

Form and Fitness

New Zealand’s recent form (most recent first): W L W W W

India’s recent form (most recent first): W W W W W

India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team: Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)

India National Cricket Team

India is also in red-hot form, having won their last five ODIs. Before the Champions Trophy 2025, they clean-swept England in a three-match ODI series. Carrying that momentum into the tournament, they secured wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage. In the semi-final, they dominated Australia with ease to book their place in the final.

Once again, they will face their arch-rivals, New Zealand, a team that defeated them in the WTC 2021 final and has often troubled them in ICC tournaments. With the Kiwis holding the upper hand in past encounters, India will be eager to settle the score and avenge their previous defeats in this highly anticipated clash.

New Zealand National Cricket Team

New Zealand is in excellent form, having lost only one of their last five ODIs, which came against India in the final group-stage match of the Champions Trophy 2025. Before the tournament, they participated in a tri-nation series with Pakistan and South Africa, where they remained unbeaten and clinched the title by defeating Pakistan in the final. Continuing their dominant run in the Champions Trophy, they secured victories against Pakistan and Bangladesh but fell short against India.

However, they comfortably defeated South Africa in the semi-final, registering an easy win. It will be interesting to see how they perform against one of their biggest rivals, India, in the most high-pressure match of the tournament.

IND vs NZ Toss Prediction: India to win the toss and choose to bat first

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has favored teams batting second, with past statistics showing that 63% of the total matches played at this venue have been won by the chasing team. However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to win the toss and opt to bat first, as he mentioned in the match against Australia that the pitch looked dry, and they wanted to utilize it in the second innings with their spinners.

He also aimed to put up a good score in the first innings and apply pressure with spin in the second, considering that the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is the most high-pressure match. Given their success while batting first in the last match, India will likely prefer to defend the target against New Zealand in this crucial encounter.

IND vs NZ Score Prediction

Scenario 1: India batting first

If India bats first, then they would put up a score of around 280 on the scoreboard.

Scenario 2: New Zealand batting first

If New Zealand bats first, then they would put up a score of around 280 on the scoreboard as well.

IND vs NZ Players to Perform Prediction

India National Cricket Team

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s inclusion as an impact player is an obvious choice, given his exceptional track record in high-pressure matches and his ability to both anchor and accelerate an innings. In the first semi-final against Australia, he played a match-winning knock of 84 off 98 balls, guiding India to a four-wicket victory while chasing 265.

His innings, which featured just five boundaries, highlighted his skill in rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries. Kohli’s experience in ICC finals makes him a reliable performer in crunch situations. With the Dubai pitch offering some grip for spinners and variable bounce, his proficiency against both pace and spin, along with his composure under pressure, makes him a top Dream11 pick. He is also likely to contribute through fielding, adding to his value.

Varun Chakarvarthy

Varun Chakaravarthy proved to be a game-changer in India’s final group-stage match against New Zealand, where he dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup with a brilliant 5/42, securing a 44-run win. His deceptive variations, including googlies and carrom balls, effectively exploited the slow turn in Dubai, as seen in his dismissals of key batters like Will Young and Glenn Phillips.

With spinners thriving in the middle overs of the Champions Trophy, Chakaravarthy’s ability to deceive batters and take wickets in quick succession makes him a crucial Dream11 asset. He also made an impact in the semi-final against Australia, picking up two wickets, including the prized scalp of Travis Head. Given New Zealand’s occasional struggles against quality spin, he has the potential to turn the final in India’s favor.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill’s selection as an impact player is justified by his dominant form at the top of the order throughout the tournament. His match-winning performances have repeatedly dismantled opposition attacks with his fluent stroke play and aggressive intent.

Against a formidable New Zealand pace attack featuring Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, Gill’s elegant batting and ability to score big runs make him a prime Dream11 pick. On a Dubai surface where early momentum is crucial, his ability to score at a high strike rate, along with potential bonus points for fifties or centuries, further enhances his value in the fantasy lineup

New Zealand National Cricket Team

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra’s exceptional all-round skills make him a key impact player for New Zealand. In the second semi-final against South Africa, he played a sensational innings of 108 off 101 balls, anchoring New Zealand’s record-breaking total of 362/6—the highest ever in a Champions Trophy knockout match.

His 164-run partnership with Kane Williamson highlighted his ability to build an innings and accelerate when required. Beyond his batting, Ravindra’s left-arm spin adds another dimension to his game. He dismissed Aiden Markram in the semi-final, proving his ability to break crucial partnerships. His dual contributions with both bat and ball make him a valuable Dream11 pick, especially on a surface that favors spin.

Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson’s consistency and composure under pressure make him an essential impact player. In the semi-final against South Africa, he scored a well-compiled 102 off 94 balls, providing stability to New Zealand’s innings alongside Ravindra. His ability to start cautiously and accelerate at the right time was evident in that knock.

His performance against India in the group stage also showcased his technical soundness against spin, where he played a composed and calculated innings. Apart from his batting, Williamson’s leadership in crucial matches adds immense value. His sharp fielding skills further boost his Dream11 potential, making him a key pick for New Zealand.

Mitchell Santner

As New Zealand’s captain and lead spinner, Mitchell Santner is a crucial impact player. He delivered an outstanding performance in the semi-final, claiming three key wickets that helped dismantle South Africa’s batting order.

His scalps included Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen, proving his effectiveness in high-pressure situations. On a Dubai pitch that assists spinners, Santner’s left-arm spin will be vital against India’s right-hand-heavy batting lineup. His ability to maintain control in the middle overs while also taking crucial breakthroughs makes him a top Dream11 choice for both economy and wicket-taking potential.

IND vs NZ Best Batsmen Prediction

Who will score the most runs for New Zealand in the match: Rachin Ravindra & Kane Williamson.

Who will score the most runs for India in the match: Shubman Gill & Virat Kohli.

IND vs NZ Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for New Zealand in the match: Matt Henry & Mitchell Santner.

Who will pick the most wickets for India in the match: Varun Chakarvarthy & Mohammad Shami.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision