India and New Zealand to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final. Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner could pose the biggest threats to Team India.
IND vs NZ: The final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on March 9th in Dubai, featuring a clash between Team India and New Zealand. Both teams progressed to the semi-finals from Group A and will now battle for the title. Team India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand on March 2nd during the group stage. However, the final could witness a different scenario, with New Zealand potentially posing a significant threat to India.
Team India seeks to settle a 25-year-old score
India and New Zealand will meet in the Champions Trophy final after 25 years. In 2000, when the two teams last faced off in the final, New Zealand emerged victorious. This time, Team India aims to settle the score, but several New Zealand star players could present significant obstacles. Let's examine the players who could pose the biggest threat to India in the final.
1. Kane Williamson – The backbone of New Zealand's batting
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is the team's most experienced batsman. He played a magnificent 81-run innings against India in the group stage and scored 102 runs against South Africa in the semi-final, guiding his team to the final. His technique and composed batting style could prove troublesome for India's bowlers. If Williamson gets settled, India's difficulties could increase significantly.
2. Rachin Ravindra – The biggest threat to India
The 25-year-old Rachin Ravindra is known for his aggressive batting. He has already scored two centuries in this tournament, accumulating 226 runs. His impressive performance in the 2023 World Cup continues into the Champions Trophy, where he could pose the biggest threat to India in the final. His explosive batting could change the match's momentum at any moment.
3. Glenn Phillips – Can also excel in fielding
Glenn Phillips is not only a superb batsman but also renowned for his exceptional fielding. He has taken 4 catches in this tournament, including a spectacular catch of Virat Kohli that created a sensation on social media. He could significantly impact the final with both his batting and fielding.
4. Mitchell Santner – The biggest challenge for Indian batsmen
New Zealand's captain and spinner, Mitchell Santner, is in excellent form in this tournament. He has taken 7 wickets in 4 matches and claimed crucial wickets against South Africa in the semi-final, leading his team to the final.
His spin bowling on the Dubai pitch could significantly trouble the Indian batsmen.
Can India avenge a 25-year-old defeat?
For Team India, this match is not just about winning a trophy but also about settling a 25-year-old score. However, the New Zealand team is not weak and will compete fiercely in the final. It will be interesting to see if Rohit Sharma's leadership can guide Team India to victory in the Champions Trophy.
