In an exciting showdown at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first. India, however, has received a boost, as their star pacer has been ruled out due to injury.
New Zealand’s Batting Plans:
New Zealand’s choice to bat first indicates their belief in the batting conditions at the Oval. With a pitch that promises some early movement, New Zealand’s opening batsmen will need to stay calm and build partnerships. Kane Williamson, a calm and composed presence, will look to stabilize the innings, while Conway and Mitchell will provide stability.
New Zealand’s middle order, featuring dynamic players such as Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, will need to push the scoring rate in the latter stages. The key is to avoid losing wickets in clusters and to capitalize on the final overs when the pitch becomes easier to bat on.
India’s Relief from Injured Pacer’s Absence:
India’s key pacer has been a match-winner throughout the tournament, but his injury has provided a temporary reprieve for New Zealand. Despite this, India’s attack is still strong, with Bumrah and Shami leading the pace attack, while the spinners will play an important role in containing New Zealand’s batsmen.
The spin department, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, will likely have to do more of the heavy lifting in this match, and their ability to turn the ball in the middle overs could be a key factor in keeping New Zealand’s score under control.
Both Teams Face Pressure:
The final of any ICC event is never easy, and with both teams facing different challenges, the match promises to be a highly competitive one. New Zealand will want to capitalize on India’s setback, while India will be looking to prove that they can handle the pressure without their star bowler.
