India vs New Zealand – Key Player Battles in Champions Trophy 2025 Group Stage Finale
Team India faces a tough challenge as they take on high-flying New Zealand in Match 12 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This Group A clash will mark the end of the group stage, with both teams eyeing a top finish.
As it stands, India are currently second in the group, trailing New Zealand on Net Run Rate (NRR). A win for India will propel them to the top of Group A, setting up a potential semi-final clash against Australia. On the other hand, if they lose, they will likely face South Africa—the probable Group B toppers—in the knockout stage.
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For India, this tournament presents an opportunity to end their ICC ODI title drought, which has lasted for 12 years. After finishing as runners-up in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy, India are eager to reclaim an ICC title. They have previously won the Champions Trophy twice (2002, shared with Sri Lanka, and 2013 under MS Dhoni’s leadership).
Meanwhile, New Zealand continue to prove their consistency in global tournaments. With a well-balanced team, the Kiwis are known for stepping up in crucial moments. Their strong squad depth and tactical discipline make them a formidable opponent for any team in high-pressure matches.
As the two teams prepare for this crucial encounter, several key player battles will define the outcome. Here’s an in-depth look at five crucial matchups to watch.
1. Matt Henry vs Shubman Gill – Battle of the Powerplay
New Zealand’s Matt Henry has been in good form with the ball, proving to be a crucial asset in the powerplay overs. He was impressive in the recent ODI tri-series, where he picked up five wickets in two matches. In the Champions Trophy 2025, Henry has continued his wicket-taking form and will be tasked with stopping India’s star opener, Shubman Gill.
Gill has been in sublime form in ODIs this year. His last five ODI scores read 87, 60, 112, 101, and 46,* making him one of India’s most reliable batters at the top of the order. His ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed makes him a difficult batter to dismiss early.
H2H Record: Gill vs Henry
• Henry has bowled 78 balls to Gill across 6 ODI innings.
• Gill has scored 61 runs off Henry at a strike rate of 78.20, averaging 61.
• Henry has dismissed Gill once.
• Out of those 78 balls, 55 have been dot balls, showing Henry’s ability to keep Gill quiet.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Henry is known for his tight line and length against right-handed batters, averaging 22.62 in ODIs. Across 87 innings, he has scalped 107 wickets. Meanwhile, Gill has a stellar record against right-arm pacers, scoring 1,482 runs at an average of 64.43.
The battle between these two will be crucial. If Henry can dismiss Gill early, it will put pressure on India’s middle order. However, if Gill settles in, he could lay the foundation for a big total.
2. Mitchell Santner vs Virat Kohli – The Spin Test
Virat Kohli has been India’s pillar in high-stakes matches, and his experience will be vital in this must-win encounter. He comes into this game fresh off a match-winning century against Pakistan. However, Kohli has shown some vulnerability against spin in recent times, which is where Mitchell Santner comes into play.
Santner is New Zealand’s lead spinner and a master of containing batters while creating wicket-taking opportunities. His ability to slow down the scoring rate and force batters into false shots makes him a crucial weapon against India’s middle order.
H2H Record: Kohli vs Santner
• Kohli averages 60 against Santner in 16 ODI innings.
• Santner has dismissed Kohli three times.
• Kohli has scored 180 runs off 259 balls at a modest strike rate of 69.49.
• Out of those 259 balls, 109 have been dot balls.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Santner has a solid ODI record against right-handers, averaging 35+ across 108 innings, with 87 wickets at an economy of 4.8. Meanwhile, Kohli enjoys batting against left-arm spinners, averaging 66.
50 across 106 innings, having scored 1,596 runs but being dismissed 24 times.
This battle could dictate the middle overs. If Santner can keep Kohli quiet or dismiss him early, New Zealand could gain control. But if Kohli finds his rhythm, he could neutralize Santner’s threat and steer India to a commanding total.
3. Michael Bracewell vs Shreyas Iyer – The Middle-Order Challenge
Michael Bracewell, known for his handy off-spin, has been a key performer for New Zealand. He recently picked up four wickets against Bangladesh and has provided breakthroughs in the middle overs. He will be up against Shreyas Iyer, India’s in-form batter who has a strong record against spin.
H2H & Overall Record
• Bracewell averages 33.80 against right-handed batters in ODIs.
• He has 20 wickets from 26 innings, with batters striking him at 81.34.
• Iyer averages 66 against right-arm off-spinners.
• He has scored 264 runs from 22 innings, striking at an impressive 127.53.
If Iyer can dominate Bracewell, India will gain a significant edge. But if Bracewell finds a way through, New Zealand could disrupt India’s batting flow.
4. Mohammed Shami vs Devon Conway – The Early Breakthrough
India’s Mohammed Shami will be a key threat for New Zealand’s top order. He recently made a strong comeback from injury and was instrumental in India’s last ODI win against the Kiwis, where he picked up 7 wickets.
New Zealand’s Devon Conway is a crucial top-order batter. His ability to anchor the innings and counter-attack makes him a vital player.
H2H Record: Shami vs Conway
• Shami has dismissed Conway once in 3 ODI innings.
• Conway has managed just 1 run off 8 balls against Shami.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Shami has an excellent record against left-handers, averaging 27.95, with 61 wickets in 99 innings. However, Conway has a decent record against right-arm pacers, scoring 587 runs at an average of 32.61.
If Shami removes Conway early, it will dent New Zealand’s top order and put pressure on the middle order.
5. Ravindra Jadeja vs Kane Williamson – A Test of Patience
Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin will be crucial in countering Kane Williamson, one of the best players of spin in world cricket.
H2H & Overall Record
• Williamson averages 67 against Jadeja in ODIs.
• He has scored 134 runs off 172 balls but has been dismissed twice.
• Against left-arm spin, Williamson averages 66.21 across 67 innings.
• Jadeja has taken 182 wickets against right-handers at an average of 32.18.
Jadeja’s ability to bowl tight lines and test Williamson’s patience will be key. If he manages to trouble the Kiwi captain, India will have a strong hold in the middle overs.
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Conclusion
These key player battles will define the match’s outcome. With a semi-final spot at stake, both teams will be eager to deliver. Will India top the group, or will New Zealand continue their dominance? Sunday’s clash promises to be a thrilling contest.
