IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update – Champions Trophy 2025, Final
IND vs NZ Match Preview
The long journey of the most awaited tournament, the Champions Trophy 2025, is finally coming to an end as it reaches its final stage. Two of the most competitive teams, India and New Zealand, are set to clash in the highly anticipated final match. Coincidentally, both finalists are from Group A and will compete in the most high-stakes match of the tournament.
Not only fans of both teams but also cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be watching this contest. This year’s Champions Trophy holds special significance as it returns after a long wait of eight years. So, it will be thrilling to see which team creates history by lifting the coveted trophy. Will India complete a hat-trick by securing their third Champions Trophy title, defeating the Kiwis, and avenging their WTC 2024 loss? Or will New Zealand take revenge for their group-stage defeat against India and register a historic win in the final?
The high-voltage encounter is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, starting at 2:30 PM IST. Indian cricket fans can catch the live action on Star Sports Network channels, while those who prefer streaming can watch it on the JioHotstar app.
| Match Info | |
|---|---|
| Series | Champions Trophy, 2025 |
| Match | India vs New Zealand, Final |
| Venue | Dubai International cricket stadium |
| City | Dubai |
| Match Start Time | 2:30 PM IST – Sunday, 9 March 2025 |
| TV Channel | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Records in Champions Trophy (Total matches played: 02)
India and New Zealand have faced each other only twice in Champions Trophy history, with both teams winning one match each. In this year’s Champions Trophy encounter, Rohit’s Indian army comfortably defeated Santner’s Kiwi squad. Nevertheless, the Indian team will aim to emerge victorious in the upcoming, highly anticipated clash against New Zealand, maintain their momentum in the final, take the lead in their head-to-head record, and, more importantly, win the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will also look to take the lead at 2-1, with their sights set on defeating India in this crucial match and securing their second ICC Champions Trophy title.
| Teams | Matches Won (In Champions Trophy) |
| India | 01 |
| New Zealand | 01 |
IND vs NZ Weather & Pitch Report
The weather conditions at this ground are perfect for cricket. On match day, the temperature is forecasted to be around 29°C with clear skies. No bad weather is predicted, which is good news for both teams and players, ensuring a full match. Looking at the wicket, it appears very batting-friendly; however, it will also assist spinners in terms of spin and grip as the match progresses. The surface looks slightly dry since there is no grass left on the wicket, as seen in the match between India and Australia. This could help spinners as the game progresses.
The fresh and bouncy wicket will allow the ball to come onto the bat easily with good pace, making stroke play efficient. However, at the same time, the dryness of the wicket could pose some challenges for batters. The first-innings average score on this ground is 260 runs. In the semi-final between India and Australia, India comfortably chased down a target of 265, but this time the upcoming opponent, New Zealand, has a strong and in-form bowling attack.
Therefore, the team batting first will need to score above this mark to make the match competitive. Due to the batting-friendly conditions, all batters have a good chance to score big runs on this ground, but spinners cannot be ruled out. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for its unique playing conditions. Its circular shape, built with concrete, often influences pitch behavior, making it different from other stadiums in the UAE.
| Temperature | 29°C |
| Weather Forecast | Clear Sky |
| Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
| Best Suited To | Batsmen |
| Average 1st innings score | 260 |
Record of chasing teams on this stadium
Batting second has proven to be the key to success at this venue. Out of 56 ODI matches played here, teams chasing have won 35 times. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first is a crucial strategy, as the success rate for teams winning the toss stands at around 63%. In an earlier match, India comfortably chased down a target of 265 in 48.1 overs, further emphasizing the advantage of batting second. This highlights the importance of the toss in shaping the outcome of the match, making it a key factor for captains to consider.
However, if we look at the trend from the semi-finals of this year’s Champions Trophy, both toss-winning teams opted to bat first. While this decision did not work in Australia’s favor, it did for New Zealand. Since the final is the most high-pressure match, the toss-winning team might choose to bat first, aiming to put runs on the board without the added pressure of chasing. In the second innings, they can then use their bowlers to build pressure, knowing that the batting second team already has the scoreboard pressure.
Ultimately, the toss decision will depend on each team’s strategy and planning. While statistics suggest that fielding first is preferable, considering the pressure of a final, batting first could also be a viable option.
| Records | Good |
| Winning % | 63 % |
IND vs NZ toss prediction: India to win the toss and choose to bat first
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has favored teams batting second, with past statistics showing that 63% of the total matches played at this venue have been won by the chasing team. However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to win the toss and opt to bat first, as he mentioned in the match against Australia that the pitch looked dry, and they wanted to utilize it in the second innings with their spinners.
He also aimed to put up a good score in the first innings and apply pressure with spin in the second, considering that the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is the most high-pressure match. Given their success while batting first in the last match, India will likely prefer to defend the target against New Zealand in this crucial encounter.
India vs New Zealand Squads
India Full Squad
Rohit Sharma ©, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand Full Squad
Mitchell Santner ©, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Nathan Smith, Glenn Philips, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Tom Latham (wk), Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.
India Playing 11 vs New Zealand – Final, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India’s Playing 11
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Shami.
India will most likely play with the same XI, as they delivered an excellent performance against Australia and comfortably secured a win in their semi-final 1 match. Therefore, they will probably stick with the same combination for the upcoming Final against New Zealand.
New Zealand Playing 11 vs India – Final, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke.
New Zealand will also most likely play with the same XI, as they registered an easy win against South Africa in the Semi-final 2 match. Therefore, they will probably stick with the same combination for the upcoming final against India.
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Impact Players List
India National Cricket Team impact players
- Virat Kohli
- Varun Chakarvarthy
- Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli’s inclusion as an impact player is a no-brainer due to his proven track record in high-stakes matches and his ability to anchor and accelerate innings. In the 1st Semi-Final against Australia, Kohli scored a match-defining 84 off 98 balls, steering India to a 4-wicket victory while chasing 265. His knock included only five boundaries, showcasing his ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries.
Kohli’s experience in ICC finals, makes him a clutch performer. On a Dubai pitch that has shown some grip for spinners and variable pace, his technique against both pace and spin, combined with his composure under pressure, positions him to rack up significant Dream11 points through runs and potentially fielding contributions.
Varun Chakaravarthy emerged as a game-changer in India’s final group-stage match against New Zealand, where he took a sensational 5/42, dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup to secure a 44-run win. His mystery spin—featuring googlies and carrom balls—exploited a Dubai pitch offering slow turn, as seen in his dismissals of key players like Will Young and Glenn Phillips.
In the Champions Trophy, where spinners have thrived in the middle overs, Chakaravarthy’s ability to deceive batsmen and pick wickets in clusters makes him a high-impact Dream11 pick. He also showed good intent in Semi-final 1 against Australia, taking two wickets, including the crucial scalp of Travis Head. Such bowling performances underline his potential to turn the final in India’s favor, especially against a New Zealand side vulnerable to quality spin.
Shubman Gill’s selection as an impact player stems from his explosive form at the top of the order during the tournament. In earlier matches, he played match-winning innings, single-handedly dismantling opponents with his batting skills. Facing New Zealand’s pace attack like Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson—Gill’s elegant stroke play and knack for big scores make him a prime Dream11 candidate. On a Dubai surface where early runs can set the tone, his potential for a high strike rate and bonus points for fifties or hundreds further elevates his impact.
New Zealand National Cricket Team impact players
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Mitchell Santner
Rachin Ravindra’s all-round abilities make him a standout impact player for New Zealand. In the second semi-final against South Africa, he scored a brilliant 108 off 101 balls, anchoring New Zealand’s record-breaking 362/6—the highest total in Champions Trophy knockout history. His knock, featuring a 164-run stand with Kane Williamson, showcased his ability to build an innings and accelerate when needed.
Ravindra’s left-arm spin also adds value; he took the crucial wicket of Aiden Markram in the same match, highlighting his excellent all-round skills. His dual role—scoring runs and potentially breaking partnerships with the ball—offers Dream11 users a chance to earn points from multiple facets, especially on a pitch favoring spin.
Kane Williamson’s class and consistency make him an indispensable impact player. In the semi-final against South Africa, he scored 102 off 94 balls, forming the backbone of New Zealand’s massive total alongside Rachin Ravindra. His ability to start slow and steady before accelerating against the bowlers was evident in that match.
Looking at his performance against India in the group-stage match, Williamson’s technique against India’s spinners was technically sound, as he played a composed and sensible knock. His leadership in big games is an added advantage. Additionally, his sharp fielding skills further enhance his value, making him a crucial Dream11 pick for New Zealand.
Mitchell Santner’s role as New Zealand’s captain and premier spinner secures his spot as an impact player. In the semi-final, Santner delivered an incredible performance with the ball, taking three crucial wickets and helping his team dismantle the Proteas’ top order, including Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen. Santner’s left-arm spin will be vital against India’s right-hand-heavy lineup. On a Dubai pitch that favors spin, his control in the middle overs and ability to take key wickets make him a top Dream11 pick for both economy and breakthroughs.
IND vs NZ Dream11 Team Today Stats
In the 1st Semi-Final against Australia on March 4, 2025, Virat Kohli played a match-defining knock of 84 off 98 balls. He anchored India’s chase of 265, stitching a crucial 91-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer. His innings featured five boundaries, blending composure with timely aggression, his effort earned him Player of the Match and was pivotal in India’s 4-wicket win.
In the same semi-final against Australia, Mohammed Shami was India’s standout bowler, finishing with 3/47 in 9.3 overs. He struck early, dismissing Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith and returned to end Australia’s innings by getting Nathan Ellis. His lethal pace and movement were key in restricting Australia to 264.
In the 2nd Semi-Final against South Africa, Rachin Ravindra shone with 108 off 101 balls, setting the tone for New Zealand’s 362/6. His fifth ODI ton at ICC events included a 164-run stand with Kane Williamson, and in the second innings he took an important wicket of Aiden Markram also. His batting as well as bowling was instrumental in New Zealand’s dominance, earning him a Player of the Match award.
In the 2nd Semi-Final against South Africa, Kane Williamson scored 102 off 94 balls including 10 boundaries and 2 maximums, his third straight ODI century against them. Partnering Ravindra, he provided stability and late acceleration in the 164-run second-wicket stand. His knock was vital in pushing New Zealand to a record-breaking total, showcasing his class and adaptability under pressure.
| Players | Players Stats (last match) |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 84 Runs |
| Mohammad Shami (IND) | 3 Wickets |
| Rachin Ravindra (NZ) | 108 Runs & 1 Wicket |
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | 102 Runs |
Highest run scorers: Kane Williamson (NZ)
Highest wicket taker: Varun Chakravarthy (IND)
Hot Picks for IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips
Shubman Gill stands out as India’s hot pick due to his exceptional batting skills at the top of the order. His elegant stroke play and ability to dominate the powerplay make him a dangerous proposition against any bowling attack. Gill possesses a silky cover drive and a deft touch for lofted shots, allowing him to exploit gaps in the field with precision.
His technique against pace is impeccable, with quick footwork and a high follow-through that help him counter swing and seam movement effectively—crucial against New Zealand’s potent new-ball bowlers like Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson.
Mitchell Santner earns his spot as New Zealand’s hot pick thanks to his all-round skills, particularly his crafty left-arm spin and handy lower-order batting. His bowling is defined by clever variations—disguised slower balls, subtle changes in pace, and a tight line that exploits turning pitches, making him a nightmare for right-handers like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill.
Santner’s ability to bowl in the middle overs with control allows him to restrict scoring rates and create pressure, often leading to wickets. As a captain, his tactical acumen enhances his on-field impact, enabling smart field placements to complement his bowling. With the bat, Santner’s clean hitting and ability to rotate the strike provide stability or quick runs down the order, especially valuable in tense chases or late surges.
India’s hot pick: Shubman Gill
New Zealand’s hot pick: Mitchell Santner
Captaincy Picks for IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction
Virat Kohli is a prime captaincy pick due to his exceptional batting skills and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. His technical prowess against both pace and spin is unmatched, with a compact stance, precise footwork, and a variety of shots—particularly his cover drive and flick—that allow him to dominate bowlers.
Kohli’s ability to read the game and adapt his approach, whether anchoring the innings or accelerating against good pace attacks, makes him a consistent run-machine. Additionally, his electric presence in the field, especially in the inner ring or at slip, adds value with potential catches or run-outs, amplifying his Dream11 captaincy appeal.
Kane Williamson stands out as a captaincy pick thanks to his masterful batting technique and calm, strategic leadership skills. His batting is built on a rock-solid defense, exquisite timing, and an ability to play late, which helps him counter spin and pace with equal ease—particularly vital against India’s varied bowling attack.
Williamson’s versatility allows him to build innings patiently or shift gears with cheeky placements and controlled aggression, making him a reliable anchor. His subtle wrist work and ability to strike the ball into gaps ensure he keeps the scoreboard ticking, while his safe hands in the field, often at gully or slip, enhance his all-round impact for Dream11 captaincy points.
| Virat Kohli (IND) |
| Kane Williamson (NZ) |
Top Picks for India vs New Zealand Dream11 Prediction
Varun Chakaravarthy emerges as a top pick for India due to his exceptional mystery spin bowling skills. His ability to deceive batsmen with a mix of googlies, carrom balls, and subtle variations in pace makes him a lethal weapon, especially on pitches offering grip and turn. Chakaravarthy’s unorthodox action and quick arm speed allow him to generate sharp spin, often catching batsmen off guard with deliveries that dip or skid.
His control over line and length in the middle overs enables him to build pressure, forcing errors from even well-set players. Against New Zealand’s batting lineup, his knack for outsmarting opponents with flight and guile positions him as a wicket-taking threat, while his calm mindset under pressure adds reliability to his craft, making him a standout Dream11 choice.
Rachin Ravindra earns his place as a top pick for New Zealand thanks to his versatile all-round skills. As a batsman, he combines a solid technique with elegant strokeplay, excelling at driving through the covers and lofting spinners with ease. His left-handedness adds a layer of difficulty for bowlers, allowing him to exploit angles and manipulate fields.
Ravindra’s composure enables him to anchor innings or accelerate when needed, showcasing adaptability across phases of the game. With the ball, his left-arm orthodox spin offers subtle variations and tight lines, making him effective at breaking partnerships or containing runs on turning tracks. His athleticism in the field further enhances his value, with quick reflexes and agility that can turn games through catches or run-outs, making him a multi-dimensional Dream11 asset.
| Varun Chakravarthy (IND) |
| Rachin Ravindra (NZ) |
Budget Picks for IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction
Varun Chakaravarthy is a budget-friendly pick due to his skillful mystery spin bowling. His variation of googlies, carrom balls, and pace variations trapped the batsmen, especially on spin-friendly surfaces. With a quick arm action and deceptive flight, he excels at picking wickets in the middle overs, making him a cost-effective option for Dream11 users seeking high-impact potential.
Michael Bracewell stands out as a budget pick with his all-round abilities. His off-spin bowling features clever drift and turn, ideal for troubling batsmen on slow pitches, while his aggressive left-handed batting adds depth with powerful strokes. His versatility and fielding agility offer multi-faceted value at a lower Dream11 cost.
| Varun Chakravarthy (IND) |
| Michael Bracewell (NZ) |
India vs New Zealand Captain and Vice-Captain Choices
Captain Options: Virat Kohli & Kane Williamson
Virat Kohli is a top captain pick because he’s a master at batting in big games. His amazing technique helps him handle fast bowlers and spinners with ease, and he can either play safe or attack when needed. He’s also super intense, which makes him a leader on the field, often grabbing catches or pushing his team hard. For Dream11, he’s a safe bet to score big points, especially in a final.
Kane Williamson is another awesome captain choice because of his calm and smart batting. He’s great at timing the ball and can build an innings or speed up smoothly. As a captain, he makes clever decisions, like setting tricky fields, and his cool head shines in tough moments. He’s reliable for runs and bonus points, making him a strong Dream11 leader.
Vice-Captain Options: Shubman Gill & Rachin Ravindra
Shubman Gill is a solid vice-captain pick because he’s a stylish opener who can take on bowlers early. His smooth shots, like cover drives, help him score quickly in the powerplay, and he’s good at settling in for a big knock. He’s also quick in the field, adding extra value. For Dream11, he’s a young gun who could surprise with a big score.
Rachin Ravindra makes a great vice-captain because he’s an all-rounder with flair. His batting is full of classy shots, and he can adapt to any situation, while his spin bowling can sneak in wickets. He’s handy in the field too, with sharp reflexes. In Dream11, his ability to contribute with bat and ball makes him a smart pick for extra points.
| Captains | Virat Kohli & Kane Williamson |
| Vice-Captains | Shubman Gill & Rachin Ravindra |
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 1
KL Rahul is picked as the keeper because of his reliable batting at the top or middle order, offering stability with his clean technique and ability to finish games, plus his wicketkeeping adds extra points. Virat Kohli brings his masterful batting and clutch performance in big matches, making him a must-have for runs and leadership.
Kane Williamson offers calm, technical batting and smart captaincy, ensuring steady scoring. Rachin Ravindra is a versatile all-rounder, contributing with elegant batting and handy spin bowling. Shubman Gill provides explosive opening batting with his stylish strokeplay, perfect for quick starts. Hardik Pandya adds flair with his aggressive batting and pace bowling, a true game-changer.
Mitchell Santner, the captain, brings crafty spin and useful lower-order hitting. Michael Bracewell offers off-spin and attacking batting depth as an all-rounder. Mohammed Shami is a lethal pacer with swing and accuracy to take key wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy delivers mystery spin to outfox batsmen on a turning pitch. Kyle Jamieson uses his height and bounce to trouble batsmen with pace and movement.
- Keeper: KL Rahul
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Shubman Gill
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell
- Bowlers: Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Kyle Jamieson
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 2
Tom Latham is chosen as the keeper for his dependable batting and leadership, providing stability and keeping skills for bonus points. Virat Kohli is included for his exceptional batting technique and ability to dominate in pressure situations. Kane Williamson ensures consistent runs with his composed style and tactical nous as a leader.
Rachin Ravindra combines stylish batting with left-arm spin, making him a dual-threat all-rounder. Shubman Gill opens with flair, using his elegant shots to set the tone early. Hardik Pandya brings dynamic batting and fast bowling, capable of turning the game on its head. Mitchell Santner offers clever spin bowling and handy runs lower down as captain.
Michael Bracewell provides off-spin and aggressive batting to bolster the all-round options. Mohammed Shami delivers pace and precision to snag crucial wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy uses his mystery spin to deceive batsmen on a spin-friendly track. Matt Henry replaced Jamieson, bringing sharp pace and new-ball control to exploit early conditions.
- Keeper: Tom Latham
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Shubman Gill
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell
- Bowlers: Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Matt Henry
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today (Final) Champions Trophy 2025
Players to Avoid
Washington Sundar is a talented young all-rounder for India, known for his right-handed batting in the lower order and right-arm off-spin bowling. He adds depth to the squad but faces tough competition from star all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy, who are all performing well. This makes it difficult for Sundar to find a spot in the playing XI for the opening match against Bangladesh unless an injury creates an opportunity.
Jacob Duffy, a right-arm medium-pace bowler from New Zealand, has recently joined the team. However, he is unlikely to play in the upcoming match against Bangladesh. New Zealand already has strong bowlers like Will O’Rourke and Matt Henry, who are in great form. With these players performing well, it will be challenging for Duffy to break into the playing XI.
| Players | Dream11 Credits | Dream11 Points |
| Washington Sundar (IND) | 6.0 Credits | – |
| Jacob Duffy (NZ) | 6.5 Credits | – |
India vs New Zealand Dream11 Prediction Today (Final) Champions Trophy 2025 Expert Advice
Captaincy Choice
Virat Kohli is the top captaincy choice because he’s a superstar batter who shines in big games. His amazing skills against fast bowlers and spinners, plus his ability to stay cool under pressure, make him perfect to lead your Dream11 team. He’s likely to score lots of runs and grab extra points with his energy on the field, giving you double the points as captain.
Vice-Captaincy Choice
Rachin Ravindra is picked as vice-captain because he’s a talented all-rounder who can do it all. His smooth batting can pile up runs, and his clever spin bowling can pick up wickets. He’s a smart choice for vice-captain as he could contribute in multiple ways on a Dubai pitch that helps spinners, earning you 1.5x points.
Also Read: IND vs NZ Head-to-Head: ODI Records, Stats & Champions Trophy 2025 Clash
Punt Picks
Rohit Sharma and Tom Latham are punt picks because they’re risky but could pay off big. Rohit, with his explosive batting, can smash quick runs if he gets going, especially at the top. Latham, a steady keeper-batter, brings calm and leadership, plus points for catches. These picks are gambles that might surprise everyone in the final.
The 1-4-3-3 combo means 1 wicketkeeper, 4 batters, 3 all-rounders, and 3 bowlers. This mix works well for the final because it gives you a strong batting lineup with players like Kohli and Ravindra, who can score big, while all-rounders add flexibility with bat and ball. The three bowlers ensure you have enough wicket-takers, balancing the team for a pitch that suits both batting and spin.
| Captaincy Choice | Virat Kohli (India National Cricket Team) |
| Vice-Captaincy Choice | Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand National Cricket Team) |
| Punt Picks | Rohit Sharma & Tom Latham |
| Dream11 Combination | 1-4-3-3 |
Disclaimer: This team is based on the analysis, Calculated odds, and Past Experience of the author. While selecting your team, consider the analysis only as supporting data while making your own decision. Sportsdunia does not work with insider news and will not be responsible for any monetary loss for the users following the analysis.