New Zealand Choose to Bat First in Champions Trophy 2025 Final Against India

DUBAI: The stage is set for a thrilling contest as New Zealand take on India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The Black Caps won the toss and elected to bat first in what promises to be an intense battle between two cricketing powerhouses.

Kane Williamson’s side will be looking to put up a strong total on the board, banking on their batting depth, while Rohit Sharma’s India will aim to exploit any early movement under the lights.

Playing XIs

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

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

India vs New Zealand: Head-to-head record

The two sides have faced off 119 times in One Day Internationals, with India winning 61 matches and New Zealand emerging victorious in 50. Seven encounters ended with no result, while one match was tied.

Read more: India to face New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy final today

In the history of the ICC Champions Trophy, both teams have met twice, with each side securing a win.

India, boasting a mix of experienced campaigners and in-form youngsters, will be aiming to add another ICC trophy to their collection. Meanwhile, New Zealand, known for their consistency in ICC tournaments, will be keen to claim their maiden Champions Trophy title.

With a high-stakes final underway, all eyes are now on Dubai as cricket fans anticipate an exhilarating clash between two of the world’s best teams.