India and New Zealand are set to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday in Dubai, in what could be the final One-Day International (ODI) appearance for Indian legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
The two stalwarts, who retired from T20 internationals after winning the World Cup last year, have been the backbone of Indian cricket for over 15 years. With the next ODI World Cup not until 2027, this final could be their last major ICC event in the 50-over format.
India: The Favorites with Spin Dominance
India enters the final as strong favorites, having won all four of their matches in the tournament. They defeated New Zealand convincingly by 44 runs in the group stage, with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy shining with 5-42.
India’s confidence is sky-high, especially after a dominant semi-final victory against Australia, where Kohli’s match-winning 84 helped them seal the deal.
Kohli has been in top form, silencing critics with an unbeaten 100 against Pakistan and an 84 against Australia. Rohit, though yet to make a big score, has provided India with quick starts.
Their spin-heavy attack, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Chakravarthy, has thrived on Dubai’s slow pitches.
New Zealand: Hoping for an Upset
New Zealand, the 2000 Champions Trophy winners, stormed into the final with a 50-run semi-final victory against South Africa in Lahore.
However, they face an injury concern with pacer Matt Henry, who took 5-42 against India in the group stage but landed awkwardly on his shoulder while taking a catch against South Africa. His availability remains uncertain.
Rachin Ravindra has been New Zealand’s standout performer, smashing 108 against South Africa and accumulating 226 runs in just three matches. The left-handed all-rounder, of Indian origin, will be key to their success.
New Zealand also boasts an impressive ICC record against India, with nine wins to six in global white-ball tournaments. They memorably whitewashed India 3-0 in a Test series last year.
Can India Secure Their Third Champions Trophy?
India is chasing a record third Champions Trophy title, while New Zealand looks to lift the trophy for the second time. With a massive Indian crowd expected in Dubai, the pressure will be on Rohit and Kohli to deliver a final ICC trophy before they bow out of ODIs.
Will India’s spinners dominate, or can New Zealand pull off another global tournament upset? All eyes will be on Dubai this Sunday!
