Saturday, March 1, 2025
India and New Zealand are set to face each other in their final group match of the Champions Trophy on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Dubai. Both teams have been in excellent form, winning their previous matches and securing spots in the semi-finals. This upcoming game will determine the top team in Group A.reuters.com+5reuters.com+5espn.com+5
New Zealand's Squad Update
New Zealand's batsman Daryl Mitchell is fit to play after missing the game against Bangladesh due to illness. He expressed his excitement about returning to the team for the crucial match against India. In his absence, Rachin Ravindra stepped up, scoring 112 runs and helping New Zealand secure a semi-final spot. Coach Gary Stead now faces a selection dilemma, as both players have performed well. He may consider resting players with minor injuries for the India game. Mitchell highlighted the team's pride in different players stepping up in various match situations. espn.co.uk+4reuters.com+4reuters.com+4
India's Captain Injury Update
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, is recovering well from a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Pakistan. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that Sharma is managing the injury effectively and is expected to play against New Zealand. Sharma's experience and leadership are crucial for India's performance in the tournament. espn.co.uk+7reuters.com+7reuters.com+7theguardian.com
Virat Kohli's Return to Form
Virat Kohli has returned to form with a match-winning century against Pakistan. His unbeaten 100 runs guided India to a successful chase of 242, marking his 51st ODI century. This performance also made him the third player to reach 14,000 runs in the format, achieving this milestone faster than Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli's strategic play and experience will be vital in the upcoming match against New Zealand. reuters.com
Rachin Ravindra's Eagerness to Play
Despite the upcoming match being a dead rubber, Rachin Ravindra is eager to play against India. After recovering from a concussion, he returned to the team with a century against Bangladesh. Ravindra expressed his desire to play as much as possible in the tournament, especially after missing previous games due to injury. reuters.com+5reuters.com+5reuters.com+5
Tournament Overview
The Champions Trophy features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan. Group B consists of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The tournament began on February 19 and will conclude with the final on March 9. Political tensions between India and Pakistan have led to India's matches being played at a neutral venue in Dubai. reuters.com+5theguardian.com+5reuters.com+5reuters.com
Group A Standings
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +0.863 |
| India | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +0.647 |
| Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -0.443 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -1.087 |
Key Players to Watch
India:
Shubman Gill: In the last 8 matches, Gill has scored 463 runs with an average of 66.14 and a strike rate of 88.35.espn.com
Rohit Sharma: Over 8 matches, Sharma has accumulated 340 runs, averaging 42.50 with a strike rate of 130.26.espn.in+5espn.com+5espn.com+5
New Zealand:
Will Young: In 10 matches, Young has amassed 323 runs, averaging 40.37 with a strike rate of 84.77.espn.com
Glenn Phillips: Over 10 matches, Phillips has scored 273 runs with an impressive average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 113.27.espn.com
Match Details
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: 04:00 AM EST (13:00 local time)espn.com
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadiumreuters.com+2espn.com+2theguardian.com+2
Both teams are in excellent form, making this match highly anticipated. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as India and New Zealand vie for the top spot in Group A.reuters.com
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