New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner has won the toss and opted to bat first in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy final against India. The Kiwis have made one change to their playing XI, with fast bowler Matt Henry being ruled out due to injury and replaced by Nathan Smith. 

On the other hand, India have opted for an unchanged lineup as they look to continue their undefeated run in the tournament.

This marks India’s third ICC white-ball final in just two years, demonstrating their consistency at the highest level. New Zealand, meanwhile, are competing in their third ICC final in six years and their fourth in nearly a decade, showcasing their sustained excellence in global events.

India's record against New Zealand in these ICC tournaments has been a tough one, with India having lost to the Kiwis four times in the last eight tournaments. Captain Rohit Sharma and his team are well aware of the challenge ahead, knowing that New Zealand are a formidable opponent in these high-pressure finals.

India, undefeated in the tournament, have strategically packed their playing XI with spinners to take advantage of the Dubai conditions. However, New Zealand also boasts a strong spin attack, setting the stage for a fascinating battle between the two sides’ bowlers. 

The two teams have already faced each other in this tournament, with India emerging victorious thanks to Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant five-wicket haul.

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke

BDST: 1505 HRS, MAR 09, 2025
MN