The searing heat of Dubai and conditions conducive to spin are likely to be the key factors as India and New Zealand clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
With the temperature likely to touch 32°C, the toss might prove to be the deciding factor. Teams have typically liked chasing in the heat of the afternoon, but with very little dew at the ground as yet, batting first might not be a liability per se—if a decent total is set.
Pitch Report: A Test of Patience for Batters
The Dubai pitch has been suiting spinners all along in the tournament, and stroke play has been made difficult as the ball gets soft. The Powerplay has been the most fruitful period for the batsmen, with the new ball coming onto the bat beautifully. But once the innings matures, getting used to the slower pace of the pitch becomes imperative. The final is likely to be no different, so early fire and middle-over consolidation will be the secret to success.
India's Momentum against New Zealand's Knockout Resilience
Unbeaten in the tournament, India enters the final full of confidence, having already beaten the Blackcaps once in the group stage at this very ground. But history has been kinder to New Zealand in ICC knockout matches, with Mitchell Santner's team ready to flip script after a resounding semifinal win over South Africa.
Spin to Take Center Stage
India's ace card may be mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who demolished New Zealand's batting order in their last encounter. But now that the Blackcaps have experienced him once, they will be more prepared to tackle his variations the second time around.
For New Zealand, Santner's left-arm spin can be a huge weapon, considering his previous success against India. His semifinal match-winning spell against South Africa demonstrated his game-controlling prowess in the middle overs, and he can prove to be an important cog in keeping India's aggressive batting lineup in check.
Rohit Sharma's Vital Contribution at the Top
India will hope that captain Rohit Sharma will lead the charge with a big start, particularly after his rip-roaring innings in the tournament opener against Bangladesh. That said, his recent poor form may be a worry. A Rohit quick-fire innings would get New Zealand off to a poor start, but he will need to deal with Santner and a nicely balanced Kiwi bowling line-up.
With both sides keen to raise the highly prized trophy, the final will be a high-intensity battle, where temperament and adaptability will probably be the deciding factors.
Read also| There's plenty we've taken from the defeat to India in group stage, Says Will Young
Read also| India Knows the Conditions, But We're Ready for a Battle: Santner
