India-vs-New-Zealand-ICC Champions-Trophy-2025-Final Fantasy-Team-Tips-Prediction-& Playing XI

India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Fantasy Team Tips, Prediction & Playing XI

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to be a blockbuster as India takes on New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9, 2025. With both teams in top form, fantasy cricket players will be eager to pick the best possible lineup. Building a winning fantasy team requires a deep understanding of pitch conditions, player form, and match situations. This guide will help you choose the best players and provide fantasy tips for the much-awaited final.

Match Details

Date: March 9, 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Match Time: 2:30 PM IST | 11:00 AM GST
Live Streaming: JioCinema, Hotstar
TV Broadcast: Star Sports (India), Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), Willow TV (USA)

Pitch & Weather Report

Pitch Report:

The Dubai pitch is known for its balanced nature, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. Spinners will be crucial in the middle overs, while pacers can generate movement early on.
Average first innings score: 260-270 runs
Chasing teams: Have a slight advantage due to dew in the second innings.

Weather Report:

Temperature: 25°C - 30°C
Humidity: 60%
Wind Speed: 15 km/h
Rain: 0% (Clear skies expected)

Fantasy Team Tips for India vs New Zealand Final

Building a strong fantasy team involves selecting a balanced mix of batters, all-rounders, bowlers, and a reliable captain/vice-captain.

Top Picks for Fantasy Team

Wicketkeepers:

  • KL Rahul (India): A reliable middle-order batter who can anchor the innings and finish games.
  • Devon Conway (New Zealand): An attacking opener who has the ability to score big runs and adds value with his wicketkeeping skills.

Batsmen:

  • Rohit Sharma (India): Known for delivering in big games, he can dominate in the powerplay and is an ideal fantasy captain pick.
  • Virat Kohli (India): A match-winner with an excellent record in finals, expect him to play a crucial anchor role.
  • Kane Williamson (New Zealand): The backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, his ability to handle spin will be key on this pitch.
  • Shubman Gill (India): An aggressive young opener who plays fearless cricket and can be a game-changer if he gets going.
  • Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): A big-match player who can bat aggressively and also contribute with the ball.

All-rounders (Must-Pick Players):

  • Hardik Pandya (India): A genuine match-winner who contributes with both bat and ball. He will bowl crucial overs and is capable of big hits in the death overs.
  • Ravindra Jadeja (India): His all-round ability makes him a top pick. He can pick wickets in middle overs and finish matches with the bat.
  • Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): One of the most consistent performers for New Zealand, contributing with both bat and ball.

Bowlers:

  • Mohammed Shami (India): India’s strike bowler, capable of taking wickets in the powerplay, making him a smart fantasy pick.
  • Varun Chakaravarthy (India): A mystery spinner in excellent form who can be a game-changer on a slow Dubai pitch.
  • Matt Henry (New Zealand): New Zealand’s most consistent pacer, his early swing can trouble India’s top order.
  • Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand): A tall pacer who extracts bounce and can be effective in the death overs.

Fantasy Team Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

Selecting the right captain (C) and vice-captain (VC) is crucial as they provide 2x and 1.5x points, respectively.

Best Captain Picks:

  • Rohit Sharma (India)
  • Virat Kohli (India)
  • Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Best Vice-Captain Picks:

  • Ravindra Jadeja (India)
  • Hardik Pandya (India)
  • Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)

Predicted Playing XI for India & New Zealand

India:

  • Rohit Sharma (C)
  • Shubman Gill
  • Virat Kohli
  • Shreyas Iyer
  • KL Rahul (WK)
  • Hardik Pandya
  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Axar Patel
  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Mohammed Shami
  • Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand:

  • Devon Conway (WK)
  • Will Young
  • Kane Williamson (C)
  • Mark Chapman
  • Glenn Phillips
  • Daryl Mitchell
  • Rachin Ravindra
  • Mitchell Santner
  • Matt Henry
  • Kyle Jamieson
  • Jacob Duffy

Match Prediction

India’s strengths: Strong batting lineup and quality spinners.
New Zealand’s strengths: Resilient batting and effective pace attack.
Winning probability: India 55% - New Zealand 45%

Final Fantasy Tips for the Match

  • ✔️ Pick more all-rounders: They offer both batting and bowling points.
  • ✔️ Select at least 2 spinners: Spinners will play a major role in Dubai conditions.
  • ✔️ Avoid picking too many top-order batters: The pitch may favor middle-order batters.
  • ✔️ Choose wicket-taking bowlers: Points are highest for wickets.
  • ✔️ Go for a balanced team: A mix of batters, all-rounders, and bowlers.