In a highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash, New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This strategic decision was influenced by the playing conditions, as the pitch in Dubai often assists bowlers early on, while dew in the latter half of the match makes chasing a favorable option.
Led by captain Mitchell Santner, New Zealand entered the match with a well-balanced playing XI featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars. The team looked confident in their ability to restrict India’s batting unit, which had been in formidable form throughout the tournament.
New Zealand’s Playing XI:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
New Zealand’s lineup showcased a strong mix of batting depth and bowling versatility. With the presence of Kane Williamson at No. 3 and all-rounders like Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell, they had the firepower to take on India’s potent bowling attack. Their bowling unit, spearheaded by Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and the young William O’Rourke, was expected to test India’s batting lineup with both pace and precision.
India Faces First Batting Test in Tournament
For India, this match marked their first experience batting first in the competition, having successfully chased targets in their previous games. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged at the toss that his team had preferred to chase, but he remained confident in their ability to set a strong total. The Indian batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, was expected to take on the challenge of scoring big against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
The opening exchanges saw a gripping battle between bat and ball. India’s top order had to contend with the movement generated by Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who found early swing and bounce. The powerplay phase was crucial, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looking to build a steady platform. However, early wickets put India under pressure, requiring the middle order to step up and rebuild the innings.
New Zealand’s Tactical Approach
New Zealand’s decision to bowl first was backed by recent trends at the venue. Their bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, preventing India from gaining early momentum. The spin duo of Santner and Bracewell was expected to play a key role in the middle overs, using the conditions to their advantage.
With both teams already securing semifinal berths, this match carried significant weight in determining their opponents in the knockout stage. A win for New Zealand would give them a psychological edge heading into the final stages of the tournament, while India aimed to continue their unbeaten run and make a statement with the bat.