Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Mar 9: New Zealand will take the field for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final without their ace pacer Matt Henry, as they won the toss and opted to bat first against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

The much-anticipated final will be played on the same pitch that hosted the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash on February 23.

Henry, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps, was instrumental in New Zealand’s journey to the final, including a 5/42 haul against India in the group stage. However, he suffered a right shoulder injury while taking a catch in the semi-final win over South Africa in Lahore. Failing to clear a last-minute fitness test, he has been replaced by right-arm pacer Nathan Smith.

Santner Confident Despite Key Absence

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner remains optimistic about his team’s chances.

“We will try and put some runs on the board. A few blue shirts out there. A great occasion and a great stadium. It is going to be a good final. Slightly different to what we had in Pakistan. We saw India play very well, and we will try to get some runs and see how it goes. Different guys have stepped up at different times. It is going to be a good game.”

The Black Caps are aiming for their second Champions Trophy title, their first triumph dating back to 2000, while India are chasing a historic third trophy. India have been undefeated in the tournament so far, while New Zealand’s only loss came against them on March 2 in Dubai.

Rohit Unfazed by Toss Woes

India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who has now lost the toss 15 times in a row in ODIs, remains unbothered about batting second.

“It is a good pitch, hasn’t changed a lot. We have to bowl first and just need to focus on how to restrict them. At the end of the day, what matters is how well you play. We don’t want to worry about the toss. We have played good cricket. Another important game. New Zealand have been a great team. Another challenge, let’s see how well we can play.”

Playing XIs

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

New Zealand:

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

With both teams eager to etch their names in history, the stage is set for an electrifying Champions Trophy final in Dubai.