IND vs NZ Final, Dream11 Prediction, Dubai Pitch Report, Playing Conditions, Fantasy Tips, and More
The grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is here, and it's the clash cricket fans have been waiting for – India vs New Zealand. The Men in Blue have been in red-hot form, bulldozing through the tournament, while the Kiwis have once again proved why they are the most consistent ICC tournament side.
With history, pride, and the trophy on the line, expect a high-octane battle in Dubai! For India, the key will be handling New Zealand’s sharp fielding and disciplined bowling. The ghosts of 2019 still linger, but this Indian team is different—determined, fearless, and ready to script history. While New Zealand has a simple mantra to be disciplined and execute their plans well.
IND vs NZ Final Match Details
- Date & Time: March 9, 2025, 13:00 Local | 02:30 PM IST
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Live Streaming: Star Sports Channels and JIOHotstar App
Pitch Report & Playing Conditions
Dubai's surface has been a paradise for spinners, making stroke play tricky as the game progresses. Batting first has been the preferred choice, given the slow nature of the pitch and the absence of dew. A score around 260-280 should be competitive, and teams with a strong spin attack will enjoy the conditions.
Key Pitch Factors:
- Slow track, spinners will play a crucial role
- Batting gets harder in the second innings
- Pacers are effective early with swing under lights
Probable Playing XI
India Expected XI
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
Team News: India is likely to stick with the winning combination. With Hardik Pandya’s effectiveness with the new ball, India may go with two pacers and four spinners to dominate in these conditions.
New Zealand Expected XI
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Kyle Jamieson
- Matt Henry / Nathan Smith
- Will O'Rourke
Team News: The biggest concern for the Kiwis is Matt Henry’s fitness. If unfit, Nathan Smith could replace him. Given Dubai’s spin-friendly conditions, New Zealand will rely heavily on Santner and Bracewell.
Top Fantasy Picks
India:
Virat Kohli – Big-match player, always shines in knockouts
Rohit Sharma – Master of ICC finals, great record against NZ
Kuldeep Yadav – Wrist spin will be key on the Dubai surface
Varun Chakravarthy – Mystery spin could trouble Kiwi batters
New Zealand:
Kane Williamson – In sublime form, always delivers under pressure
Rachin Ravindra – The X-factor, brilliant all-rounder
Mitchell Santner – Controls middle overs, can be handy with the bat
Matt Henry – If fit, his swing can be lethal in the powerplay
IND vs NZ Final: Best Dream11 Team for Grand League
Captain: Virat Kohli/Mitchell Santner
Vice-Captain: Rachin Ravindra/Kane Williamson
Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul, Tom Latham(1)
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Shubman Gill(2)
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Rachin Ravindra, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Santner, Varun Chakravarthy
Pick one between (1) and (2)!
India enters the final as the clear favorite, having dominated the tournament. However, New Zealand has a habit of punching above their weight in ICC events, and history shows they have troubled India in big matches. Let's gear up for the exciting final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.