New Zealand has been dealt a huge blow before the ICC Champions Trophy final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Their main fast bowler, Matt Henry, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury he sustained during the semifinal against South Africa.

Henry was injured while attempting a catch to get Heinrich Klaasen out in South Africa's pursuit of 363 in Lahore. He landed awkwardly and had to retire from the field but came back to bowl two additional overs. But he won't be fit for the last match. Nathan Smith has been appointed as his replacement.

MATT HENRY RULED OUT OF THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL 📢 pic.twitter.com/z73e3Ts6OG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2025

Henry has been New Zealand's top bowler in the tournament, topping the wicket table with 10 wickets from four games at a rate of 16.70. He also bowled well against India in the group stage, taking five wickets for 42 runs, though New Zealand lost that game.

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With Henry gone, New Zealand's bowling unit will have to rise to the occasion against India's formidable batting order. His absence is a huge boon for India, as he was one of the Kiwis' main bowlers.

Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the final, which is going to be an exciting encounter. Watch this space for live updates on the IND vs. NZ match.

The much-awaited India vs New Zealand final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to witness this thrilling clash as both teams battle for the prestigious trophy. Here’s everything you need to know about the match details, live streaming options, and TV broadcast information.

Match Details

• Teams: India vs. New Zealand
• Date: March 9, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Live Streaming & TV Broadcast Details

Fans worldwide can watch the final through various TV channels and online streaming platforms. Here’s a complete list of where you can catch the live-action:

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India vs New Zealand: Predicted Playing XI

India:

• Rohit Sharma (c)
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (wk)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Shami
• Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand:

• Will Young
• Rachin Ravindra
• Kane Williamson
• Daryl Mitchell
• Tom Latham (wk)
• Glenn Phillips
• Michael Bracewell
• Mitchell Santner (c)
• Matt Henry
• Kyle Jamieson
• Will O’Rourke

Match Preview & Expectations

India enters the final with an unbeaten streak in the tournament, showcasing dominance with both bat and ball. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have been in top form, giving India a strong chance to secure their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

New Zealand, known for their fighting spirit, will be looking to clinch their first-ever ICC white-ball trophy. Skipper Kane Williamson and all-rounders like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will be crucial for the Kiwis' success.

With a fast pitch in Dubai favoring both pacers and batsmen, fans can expect a high-intensity final with fireworks from both sides.

With each team playing at their optimum level, the ICC Champions Trophy final will be thrilling. India will be looking to win back the trophy after their past triumph in 2013, while New Zealand will be aiming to clinch their second ICC trophy. Cricket fans worldwide are already looking forward to finding out who wins on March 9.

Match Details:

India’s Playing XI:

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New Zealand’s Playing XI:

Key Players to Watch:

Match Preview and Key Battles:

The battle between India's solid batting order and New Zealand's ruthless bowling outfit will be the turning point in the final. Some key battles to look out for are:

• Virat Kohli and Matt Henry: How Kohli counterattacks New Zealand's seam bowlers will play a big part.
• Hardik Pandya and Glenn Phillips: These two all-rounders will likely take crucial roles through the middle overs.
• Mohammed Shami and Kane Williamson: Shami’s pace and swing against Williamson’s steady batting could define the game.
  

Match Overview

• Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• Fixture: India vs New Zealand
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium
• Date: March 2, 2025

India’s Probable XI :

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New Zealand’s Probable XI :

Head-to-Head in ICC Tournaments

• Champions Trophy 2000 Final: New Zealand defeated India to win their first ICC trophy.
• World Cup 2019 Semi-final: New Zealand knocked out India in a thrilling low-scoring game.
• World Test Championship 2021 Final: New Zealand defeated India to claim the inaugural WTC title.

India will be eager to avenge past ICC defeats, while New Zealand will look to continue their dominance in knockout matches.

Prediction and Key Battles to Watch

• Kohli vs Williamson – A battle between two of the best No. 3 batters.
• Arshdeep vs Conway – Can Arshdeep swing the new ball past Conway?
• Santner vs Pant – Left-arm spin vs left-handed power-hitting.

Both teams have the firepower to win, but India’s spin depth and batting strength might give them a slight edge in UAE conditions.

India secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets in Rawalpindi on Monday in a comprehensive win. Rachin Ravindra made a stunning century after a scintillating bowling display from Michael Bracewell to help New Zealand overpower Bangladesh. The victory also saw New Zealand secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament as the second team from Group A. But it also left Bangladesh and Pakistan out of the tournament since the two teams already have two defeats apiece. India will host New Zealand in their last group stage game and Bangladesh will face Pakistan but both matches will serve no purpose aside from determining who will lead the group to the semifinals.

INDIA WILL PLAY THE FIRST SEMI-FINAL ON MARCH 4 AT DUBAI...!!!! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8PrEh4ZHvR

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 24, 2025

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March 2nd - IND vs NZ.

March 4th - IND vs AUS/SA/AFG/ENG.

MISSION CHAMPIONS TROPHY IS ON 🙇 pic.twitter.com/Ctxze6u7O3

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 24, 2025

New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in a Group A Champions Trophy game here on Monday, a triumph that placed the Kiwis and India in the Champions Trophy semifinals. The victory ensured Bangladesh and the two-time defending champions Pakistan, having lost both of their two games till date, were eliminated from the tournament.

India and New Zealand both have four points apiece from two victories till now in Group A. The top two teams of each group advance to the semifinals.

Pakistan has not had an easy time against New Zealand in the past ten days, losing three successive matches in crucial games. The Kiwis have been in great shape, dominating Pakistan in every department. Here's a brief rundown of how events went:

Pakistan in the last 10 days against New Zealand:

8th Feb - NZ beat PAK in Tri series.

14th Feb - NZ beat PAK in Tri series Final.

19th Feb - NZ beat PAK in Champions Trophy.

- THE DOMINATION OF NEW ZEALAND..!!!! pic.twitter.com/C7MB5fuI0B

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 19, 2025

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February 8, 2025 – Tri-Series Match
The series opened with New Zealand posting a record 331, aided by a fantastic 106* by Glenn Phillips. Pakistan resisted with Fakhar Zaman's 84 but fell short and were bowled out for 252. Black Caps are off to a good start.
February 14, 2025 – Tri-Series Final
Pakistan got an opportunity to get their revenge in the final but their batting failed once again, scoring just 242 runs. New Zealand chased it easily, with Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell guiding them to a five-wicket win.
February 19, 2025 – Champions Trophy Group Match
The biggest stage, but the same outcome. New Zealand maintained their winning streak against Pakistan, claiming another win and showing their dominance.
The Takeaway
Three losses, three games – it has not been a good period for Pakistan. New Zealand, on the other hand, have demonstrated why they are amongst the most consistent sides in world cricket. Pakistan will have to regroup and return stronger in their upcoming games.

New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been excluded from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Jacob Duffy, who is a member of the New Zealand squad for the current tri-series in Pakistan, has been appointed as Sears' cover for the eight-country tournament.

Following a New Zealand Cricket announcement, Sears had suffered left hamstring pain at the first practice session in Karachi. He then had a scan which showed he had a slight tear and required at least two weeks' rehab. In view of this, Sears would only have been ready for New Zealand's last group match against India on March 2, hence the decision to replace him throughout the tournament.

Ben Sears has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy.

- Jacob Duffy has replaced him! pic.twitter.com/y5aemlsRKr

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 14, 2025

New Zealand head coach on a very Disappointment :

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears missing out.  “We’re all really feeling for Ben,” said Stead.

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“It’s always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, and it’s especially tough in Ben’s case, given it would have been his first major ICC event.

“The timeframes for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage, and given the short nature of the tournament, we felt it was appropriate to bring in a player who is fully fit and ready to go.

“Ben is a player with huge potential, and given the short rehabilitation timeframe, we’re sure he’ll be fit and raring to go for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand.

Stead added that Duffy is a strong replacement for Sears.

"Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level.

 “He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series, so he’s fully acclimatised, and he’s got plenty of experience in these conditions and is fit and ready to go.

 “He’s another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him.” 

After a wait of 2060 days and 22 ODI innings, Kane Williamson, New Zealand's skipper, has finally achieved three figures in the One Day Internationals again. For a player like him, so composed and consistent, this was a surprise at such a stretch without a three-figure score. Williamson, though, has always been a cricketer of technique and temperament rather than flair.

The century arrived in a quite crucial match and crowed Reactions:

 It marked personal milestones for him, but this also reminded every fan and the critics of class in the format. Despite having injuries and  carrying  the  pressure for leading a national team, there was once more proof of how Williamson is seen as one among the best.

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After 2060 days and 22 ODI innings, Kane Williamson finally brings up his next century in the ODI format! pic.twitter.com/oKZmtQurPk

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 10, 2025

The crowd-and all those sitting at home, too-could feel the sentiment of his moment. This is not just another century on a scoreboard. this is a testimony of resilience and hard work. The calmness in his shoulders, which instilled confidence enough to make him a regular player for New Zealand cricket, adds more to that story.

It is more than a number on the scoreboard. And this century represents much more than a mathematical quotient-it reflects the resilience and hard work, the quiet confidence that has made him a feature of New Zealand cricket.

The crowd and those around the world watching would sense the emotional content behind the achievement.It is Kane Williamson, who has returned to the ODI century club. Waiting is what it must be remembered for now; poise with which he achieved it is unforgettable though.

The Tr iSeries starts on an exciting first ODI when Pakistan and New Zealand play an almost competitive game for the starting stages of their respective tri-series. Both sides strong. There will be a  full-on action by cricket fans everywhere.
Encounter of 1st ODI in Tri-series :
Pakistan went into the game with confidence given their solid performance in ODIs at home, and their batsmen were solid, looking for a big score, while bowlers looking forward to dominating this game. And New Zealand being a tough rival always relied upon a well-balanced team which would give enough trouble to their hosts.
This encounter had moments both thrilling with match-winning hitting display and to saw each team battling so hard for any early dominance. The players must have felt  about the value of this tri-series.

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Live Streaming and Telecast :

In India: The match will be live telecast on Sony Sports Network. Online streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app or website.

In Pakistan: Viewers can watch the live telecast on PTV Sports.

In New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ will broadcast the match live.

In Bangladesh :TV Channel Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports and Online Streaming: Rabbithole app, T Sports app

In the United States: Willow TV will provide live coverage.

Possible Match winner:

New Zealand  has high possibility.

In the second T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand on December 30, 2024, Sri Lanka had a strong chance to level the series and create history. Chasing 187, they were 69 runs away from victory with seven wickets in hand after 14 overs, a scenario that was quite promising. Kusal Perera’s brilliant batting gave Sri Lanka hope as they aimed to pull off a thrilling win, which would have tied the series at 1-1. At that stage, the Sri Lankan team seemed confident of chasing down the target.

It's all on at Bay Oval! How things stand with six overs remaining in the Sri Lanka chase. Follow play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/7h7R8dYvTv 📲 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/GNJmHYttUx

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 30, 2024

Kusal Perera's exceptional knock of 48 from 35 balls gave the team a solid chance to pull off an historic victory.He tackled New Zealand’s bowlers with ease, delivering boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. With him at the crease, Sri Lanka seemed to be building a solid platform to chase down New Zealand's total. His resilience was evident as he played through some challenging moments and looked set to guide his team to victory.

The Turning Point: Perera’s Dismissal

However, things took a sharp turn when Perera was dismissed. His departure marked the start of Sri Lanka’s collapse, and momentum quickly shifted in favor of New Zealand. Jacob Duffy, a standout performer for the BlackCaps, claimed 4/15, continuing his excellent form. Sri Lanka, once in control, lost wickets rapidly, and the chase unraveled. New Zealand’s bowlers seized on Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities, maintaining pressure with every over, ultimately guiding their team to victory as the match slipped away from Sri Lanka.

After Perera’s wicket, the Sri Lankan middle and lower order struggled to build partnerships, and the required run rate started to climb. Despite a valiant effort from other batsmen, the task proved too difficult. New Zealand's bowlers bowled with precision, and the fielding was sharp, making it increasingly hard for Sri Lanka to get back on track. In the end, Sri Lanka’s hopes were dashed, and they lost the match, leaving New Zealand to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Challenge Ahead

This defeat leaves Sri Lanka with a tough task in the final match of the series.they will need to put in a complete performance. While Kusal Perera’s innings was the bright spot for Sri Lanka, the collapse afterward highlights the fragile nature of their batting lineup. The team will need to regroup and find a way to sustain pressure throughout the entire innings in the upcoming match.

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New Zealand’s Upper Hand in the Series

For New Zealand, this victory strengthens their position in the series and gives them the upper hand. Their bowling attack, especially after Perera's dismissal, showed their depth and ability to recover under pressure. The Kiwis will look to maintain their momentum in the final match to secure a clean sweep series win, while Sri Lanka will be hoping to bounce back with a more complete performance.