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Matt Henry is the leading wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy 2025, but there are very slim chances of him playing in the final due to a shoulder injury that he suffered while playing in the semifinal against South Africa.
New Zealand’s likely playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025 final against India. (Picture Credit: AP)
The New Zealand men’s cricket team will look at repeat history on Sunday (March 9) and defeat India once again to win the ICC Champions Trophy title. The Kiwis stunned India by four wickets in the 2000 Champions Trophy final played at Nairobi on October 15, 2000, and the Black Caps will expect a similar performance from Mitchell Santner’s men as well in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium from 2:30 PM IST onwards on Sunday against the Rohit Sharma-led side.
However, for the final match, Kiwis are set to miss the services of star fast bowler Matt Henry. Henry, who became the first bowler in history to take a five-wicket haul against India in the Champions Trophy on Sunday, March 2, is a doubtful starter for the summit clash. The 33-year-old right-arm pacer suffered an injury while playing in the semifinal against South Africa on Wednesday (March 5), and due to that, there’s suspense over his participation in the match.
Also Read: India’s likely playing XI for Champions Trophy final
The New Zealand team management has not ruled him out of the match, but there are very slim chances of him being fit and available for selection in Sunday’s match.
If he misses out, then New Zealand will have to pick between Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy as his replacement. Duffy is a specialist bowler and has 19 wickets to his name in 11 ODIs played so far, whereas all-rounder Smith has picked up seven wickets in seven ODIs. The 26-year-old cricketer from Dunedin played in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener but only bowled two overs.
New Zealand could also drop opening batter Will Young for the summit clash and bring Devon Conway in his place. Young, after scoring 107 runs against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19, has not been able to do much with the bat. Conway, on the other hand, has a good record in ODIs against Men in Blue.
In seven innings of eight ODIs played so far against India, with the help of one century, Conway has scored 230 runs. He is one of the most skilled batters against spinners in New Zealand’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
The Kiwis have won two ICC titles so far, and on both occasions, India was the losing finalist. To make it three wins in as many ICC finals against India, Kiwis will expect captain Mitchell Santner and legendary batter Kane Williamson to also fire.
New Zealand’s likely playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
