The stage is set for an epic showdown as India takes on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final at the Dubai International Stadium. Both teams have been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, and this clash promises to be a thrilling contest for cricket fans worldwide. Here’s everything you need to know to make the perfect Dream11 team, along with expert insights and a detailed pitch report.
Match Preview: India vs New Zealand
India and New Zealand have been the standout teams in the tournament, showcasing their dominance in both batting and bowling departments.
- India’s Journey: Topping Group A, India defeated Australia in the semi-final by 4 wickets, chasing down 264 with ease. Virat Kohli’s match-winning 84 runs earned him the Player of the Match award.
- New Zealand’s Journey: The Kiwis triumphed over South Africa in the semi-final, posting a mammoth 362 runs, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s century. Their bowlers then defended the total comfortably, securing a 50-run victory.
This will be the second encounter between the two teams in the tournament, with India having won the group-stage match by 44 runs.
Playing XI and Injury Updates
India
- Predicted XI: KL Rahul (wk), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C), Shubman Gill, S Iyer, HH Pandya, RA Jadeja, M Shami, Axar Patel, KL Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
- Bench: Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, H Rana
New Zealand
- Predicted XI: Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, WA Young, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Kane Williamson, DJ Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), William O’Rourke, MJ Henry, KA Jamieson
- Bench: Devon Conway, MS Chapman, Nathan Smith, JA Duffy
Injury Updates: No major injury concerns have been reported for either team. Updates will be added if any changes occur.
Pitch Report: Dubai International Stadium
The pitch at Dubai is known for its balanced nature, offering assistance to both pacers and spinners.
- Average Score: 266
- Pace vs Spin: 50% pace, 50% spin
- Batting vs Bowling: 55% batting pitch, 45% bowling pitch
- Chasing Advantage: Teams prefer to chase at this venue due to the dew factor in the second innings.
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
Top Captaincy Picks
- Virat Kohli (IND): With 14,180 ODI runs at an average of 58, Kohli is a must-have in your team. His recent century in the tournament makes him a strong captaincy choice.
- Kane Williamson (NZ): The Kiwi skipper has 7,224 runs in 172 ODIs and is in sublime form, having scored a century in the semi-final.
Budget Picks
- Rachin Ravindra (NZ): A consistent performer with 5 centuries in ICC events, Ravindra is a valuable all-rounder.
- Mohammed Shami (IND): His ability to pick early wickets makes him a key bowler for the final.
Read More :- IND vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025, Match 12 Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s India vs New Zealand Clash?
Players to Avoid
- Will Young (NZ): Inconsistent performances make him a risky pick.
- KL Rahul (IND): While a talented player, his recent form hasn’t been convincing.
Expert Insights
- Batting First or Chasing?: Given the dew factor, both teams will prefer to chase. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.
- Key Battles: Watch out for the clash between India’s spinners (Jadeja and Yadav) and New Zealand’s middle order (Williamson and Ravindra).
- X-Factor: Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities could be a game-changer for India, while Mitchell Santner’s spin could trouble the Indian batters.
How to Optimize Your Dream11 Team
- Balance is Key: Ensure a mix of top-order batsmen, all-rounders, and bowlers.
- Captain and Vice-Captain: Choose players in form, like Kohli or Williamson, for these roles.
- Pitch Awareness: Pick more spinners if the pitch is dry, or pacers if there’s early swing.
Final Thoughts
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final promises to be a nail-biting encounter between two cricketing giants. With both teams boasting world-class players, the match could swing in any direction. Make sure to finalize your Dream11 team with the tips and insights provided above.