India vs New Zealand Match Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India is set to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday, with the Black Caps expected to pose a formidable challenge. Having already played at the venue last Sunday, New Zealand will enter the contest well-prepared for the conditions—an advantage South Africa would have lacked if they had qualified.

New Zealand’s Spin Arsenal

Among all teams in the tournament, New Zealand comes closest to matching India’s spin depth. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Kiwis have three additional spin options in Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, making their attack versatile. The final will be played on the same pitch used for India’s match against Pakistan, where spinners played a crucial role. New Zealand will be keen to capitalize on their experience from the previous encounter, looking to counter India’s batting strategies.

Pace and Bounce Challenge

New Zealand’s seam attack surprised India in the group-stage clash by generating significant movement with the new ball—something that was absent in India’s other three matches at the venue. The key factor behind this movement is the height of their pacers, allowing them to extract extra bounce and seam movement. India’s top order has struggled against such bowling attacks in recent ICC events, making it imperative for them to develop a plan to tackle New Zealand’s fast bowlers in the powerplay.