The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as New Zealand faces India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, being held in the vibrant city of Dubai. With immense excitement building up among fans, the Black Caps have opted to bat first after winning the toss, setting the tone for a high-stakes match that promises plenty of action and drama.
New Zealand Chooses Batting First
After winning the toss, New Zealand’s captain made the strategic decision to bat first. This choice comes after previous experiences at this venue, where chasing runs proved challenging against India during the group phase. Interestingly, New Zealand has often batted first in previous World Cup finals held in 2015, 2019, and 2021, though they faced losses. The team is determined to change its fortune this time around.
Early Setbacks and Strong Combinations
Unfortunately for New Zealand, they faced an immediate challenge when their leading wicket-taker, Matt Henry, had to sit out due to a shoulder injury. In his place, Nathan Smith has stepped up, hoping to bolster the team’s performance with additional batting depth. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young opened the innings, marking a critical start for the Black Caps.
Solid Start with Aggressive Batting
As the match unfolded, Ravindra and Young began to build a steady partnership. Mohammed Shami bowled the first over for India, allowing just four runs, while Ravindra showcased his batting skills by hitting boundaries and singles. The duo succeeded in keeping the scoreboard ticking, demonstrating calmness and confidence at the crease.
- New Zealand at 9th Over: 64 runs with Ravindra scoring 35 and Young contributing a valuable 15.
- 8th Over Update: The score stood at 58, indicating a solid start by both openers.
- Breakthrough for India: Young was dismissed leg before wicket by Varun Chakravarthy, marking India’s first breakthrough in the chase.
Ravindra’s Thrilling Performance
Despite the loss of Young, Ravindra continued to impress, hitting a six and multiple fours. He played aggressively, which not only boosted the team’s morale but also created an exciting atmosphere for spectators. However, it is important to note that Ravindra was dropped twice during the innings, a sign of the pressure on India’s bowlers to capitalize on every opportunity.
India’s Bowling Strategy
As the game developed, India introduced Varun Chakravarthy into the bowling attack. Although he initially faced a challenging over, conceding a boundary, Chakravarthy’s skill eventually paid off as he took the crucial wicket of Young. The altercation of pace became significant, as the match continued balancing between hope and strategy for both sides.
What Lies Ahead
With New Zealand currently at 64 for 1, the match is poised for an exciting continuation. India’s players, including star bowler Chakravarthy and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, will be looking to capitalize on a strong start to leverage further breakthroughs. Spectators eagerly await more runs and thrilling moments to unfold in this intense cricketing battle.
| Over | New Zealand Score | Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4-0 | Young: 4 |
| 2 | 6-0 | Young: 4 |
| 3 | 10-0 | Young: 7 |
| 4 | 26-0 | Young: 8 |
| 5 | 37-0 | Ravindra: 25 |
| 9 | 64-1 | Ravindra: 35 |
