Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand, Match 12 – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand, Match 12 – Top 3 player battles to watch out for (Source: Twitter/BCCI and Harry Trump-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Match Overview

India and New Zealand are set to square off in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 02, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals, but this clash will decide who tops the group.

The Men in Blue has been in incredible form, winning both of their matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively. Their recent six-wicket victory over the Mohammad Rizwan-led side on February 23 secured them a place in the knockouts. However, ahead of the match against the BlackCaps, there were concerns regarding the fitness of skipper Rohit Sharma and ace pacer Mohammed Shami.

However, KL Rahul and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that both players are fit and available for selection, though the 2013 champions may consider resting key players to manage workloads, with the semifinal match scheduled on March 04.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will be looking to finish as group leaders. Mitchell Santner and team have historically performed well against India in ICC tournaments and have players who are in fine form. Michael Bracewell’s four-wicket haul and Rachin Ravindra’s century against Bangladesh helped them secure a place in the knockout stage.

Interestingly, India holds the edge in their head-to-head record, winning 60 of their 118 ODI encounters. Their last ODI meeting was in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, where India came out victorious.

Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in India vs New Zealand, Match 12 of Champions Trophy 2025:

3. Shubman Gill vs Matt Henry

A crucial battle to watch out for will be between India’s star opener Shubman Gill and New Zealand’s frontline pacer Matt Henry. Gill, currently the No.1-ranked ODI batter, has been in sublime form, guiding India to the semifinals with match-winning knocks, including an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh in the previous game and a 46-run knock against Pakistan. The last time India faced New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he smashed a match-winning unbeaten 80. Recently, the youngster became the fastest to 2000 and 2500 ODI runs.

Against Henry, the right-hand batter has been decent, scoring 61 runs in 78 deliveries and having lost his wicket once. Meanwhile, Henry recently equaled Richard Hadlee’s ODI wicket tally of 158. With an average of 25.37 and multiple four-wicket hauls, his ability to generate pace and movement will test Gill.

2. Kane Williamson vs Ravindra Jadeja

New Zealand’s star batter Kane Williamson has struggled in the tournament so far, scoring just 1 and 5 in his last two innings against Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively. However, he recently became New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer in ICC ODI events, surpassing Stephen Fleming. His contest with Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja will be something that many will be waiting for.

Jadeja also hasn’t had that impressive performance so far, having taken only one wicket so far, that of Tayyab Tahir against Pakistan. But with Williamson’s struggles against left-arm spinners, India will hope Jadeja can exploit this weakness. Williamson averages 67 against Jadeja but has been dismissed twice in 172 balls, making this clash a potential game-changer. If Jadeja manages to get Williamson early, the Men in Blue could gain a significant upper hand in this match.

1. Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s struggle against spin has been a growing concern, as seen in the side’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh. The 36-year-old managed just 22 off 38 balls, facing 10 dot balls against spin before falling to leg spinner Rishad Hossain. His inability to rotate strike frustrated him, a repeated issue in recent times, especially during the ODI series against England, where Adil Rashid dismissed him twice.

Kohli’s challenge will be tough against New Zealand, with Mitchell Santner leading the spin attack. The left-arm spinner has dismissed Kohli thrice in ODIs and even got his wicket twice in a single Test match in Pune in 2024. With the Dubai pitches helping spinners, Santner’s variations and control could trouble the veteran batter once again. The Delhi-born will need to adapt quickly to avoid getting stuck, especially with the left-armer’s ability to slow the pace and create angles in the middle overs.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.