new zealand vs india

India vs New Zealand LIVE Score, Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Hardik Pandya Shines After Mohammed Shami’s Solid Start

Live Updates | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final | India vs New Zealand

The much-anticipated final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where India and New Zealand are battling for the prestigious title. Both teams have displayed remarkable performances throughout the tournament, setting up an electrifying final.

Toss and Team News

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that came as no surprise given Dubai’s dry pitch conditions. However, India’s captain Rohit Sharma continued his unfortunate trend of losing tosses, equaling Brian Lara’s record of 12 consecutive losses in ODI cricket.

A significant blow for the Kiwis came in the form of Matt Henry’s absence due to injury. Nathan Smith replaced him in the playing XI. Meanwhile, India fielded an unchanged lineup from their dominant semifinal performance.

India’s Fiery Start with the Ball

Mohammed Shami set the tone early, delivering a tight first over and conceding just four runs. Hardik Pandya followed up with an even better over, giving away only two runs and keeping the pressure on New Zealand’s openers. The duo’s disciplined bowling restricted the flow of runs, forcing the Kiwi batters to play cautiously.

Detailed In-Game Analysis

Now, let’s dive deeper into the match, discussing crucial moments, player performances, expert opinions, and historical context.

India’s Bowling Attack – Setting the Stage

India’s fast-bowling duo of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been instrumental throughout the tournament, consistently delivering breakthroughs. With Dubai’s pitch offering a mix of bounce and turn, India’s strategy was clear: bowl tight lines and build early pressure.

Shami’s first spell showcased his precision. His ability to swing the ball both ways troubled the Kiwi openers, forcing them to adopt a defensive approach. Bumrah, on the other end, complemented Shami’s effort with his lethal yorkers and change of pace.

Hardik Pandya’s entry added another dimension to India’s attack. Known for his ability to bowl in the middle overs, Pandya’s variations and short-pitched deliveries kept the batters guessing. His first over, where he conceded only two runs, set the tone for a disciplined bowling effort.

New Zealand’s Batting Approach – Navigating the Storm

New Zealand’s openers, Devon Conway and Finn Allen, faced immense pressure from the Indian bowlers. Conway, known for his ability to anchor the innings, played cautiously, while Allen attempted to break the shackles with aggressive stroke play.

However, the disciplined bowling from India meant that New Zealand struggled to rotate the strike. With fielders strategically placed, every attempt to accelerate the innings was met with strong resistance.

Key Turning Points in the Match

1. Early Breakthroughs for India

   • Shami dismissed Finn Allen with an outswinger, getting the first breakthrough. Allen, attempting an aggressive shot, edged the ball straight to the slip cordon, where Virat Kohli made no mistake.
   • Bumrah followed up with a crucial wicket, removing Conway with a stunning delivery that nipped back sharply and rattled the stumps.

2. Kane Williamson’s Fightback

   • New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson played a captain’s knock, steadying the innings after early setbacks. His partnership with Daryl Mitchell was crucial in stabilizing the innings.
   • Williamson’s composure against India’s bowlers showcased his experience, as he rotated the strike and picked boundaries when needed.

3. Spin Duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja

   • With the pacers setting the foundation, India introduced spin in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin and Jadeja’s accuracy choked New Zealand’s scoring rate.
   • Kuldeep dismissed Mitchell with a well-disguised googly, breaking a crucial partnership.

Historical Rivalry – India vs New Zealand in ICC Events

India and New Zealand share a rich history in ICC tournaments. From the heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final to India’s struggles against the Kiwis in Test cricket, New Zealand has often been India’s nemesis in crucial encounters.

However, India turned the tide in recent years, with key victories in bilateral series and multi-nation tournaments. This final serves as a chance for India to rewrite history and lift their first ICC trophy since 2013.

Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions

As the match progresses, cricket pundits and fans have taken to social media to share their insights. Here’s what some experts are saying:

• Harsha Bhogle: “India’s bowlers have set the perfect tone. If they can maintain this pressure, it’s going to be an uphill battle for New Zealand.”
• Michael Vaughan: “New Zealand needs a solid partnership here. Losing early wickets is a setback, but Williamson is the key.”

Fans have also flooded Twitter with reactions:

• @CricketFever: “Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers are pure magic! India’s bowling attack is on fire.”
• @KiwiSupporter: “Come on, Black Caps! Need a big innings from Kane to turn things around.”

Match Prediction – Who Holds the Upper Hand?

At this stage, India has a slight edge due to their disciplined bowling. However, cricket is unpredictable, and a strong partnership could shift the momentum. With Williamson at the crease, New Zealand still has hope of posting a competitive total.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

We will continue to bring you live updates, analysis, and post-match reactions as the Champions Trophy 2025 final unfolds. Stay with us for all the action!