Champions Trophy: Smith Takes Henry's Place as NZ Opts to Bat Against Unchanged India

Synopsis

New Zealand faces India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final without pace bowler Matt Henry, who is injured. Despite winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand adjusts their lineup with Nathan Smith. India looks to secure their third title, while New Zealand seeks their second win since 2000.

Key Takeaways

New Zealand's Matt Henry is replaced by Nathan Smith due to injury.
The final is held at Dubai International Stadium.
India aims for their third Champions Trophy title.
New Zealand's only tournament loss was against India.
Captain Mitchell Santner emphasizes the need for strong performance.

Dubai, March 9 (NationPress) New Zealand is set to face India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final without their key pace bowler Matt Henry, having won the toss and chosen to bat first at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

The crucial championship match will take place on the same pitch that hosted the India-Pakistan encounter on February 23.

Henry, who is the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 10 dismissals, including an impressive 5-42 against India earlier in the group stage, injured his right shoulder while catching a ball from Heinrich Klaasen during New Zealand's semi-final victory over South Africa.

Unfortunately, Henry did not pass a fitness test before the final, leading New Zealand to call up right-arm pacer Nathan Smith. “We aim to set a good score. There are several blue shirts on the field. It's a significant occasion at a fantastic stadium. This final feels a bit different from what we experienced in Pakistan,” expressed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.

“India has performed exceptionally well, and we will focus on scoring runs and adapting as necessary. Different players have risen to the occasion at various points. It promises to be an exciting game,” he added.

India is vying for their third Champions Trophy title, while New Zealand seeks their second, last achieving victory in 2000. So far, India remains unbeaten in the tournament, while New Zealand's sole loss came against India on March 2 in Dubai.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who has lost the toss for the fifth consecutive time in this tournament and for the 15th time in a row in ODI cricket, stated that his playing eleven remains unchanged from their semi-final victory over Australia. He expressed no concern about batting second in the final. “The pitch is good and hasn't changed much. We need to focus on restricting them.”

“Ultimately, what matters is our performance. We cannot dwell on the toss. We have played solid cricket throughout. It’s another crucial game. We will adapt as necessary. New Zealand has been a formidable opponent, and we have to rise to the challenge,” he remarked.

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kyle Jamieson, Nathan Smith, and William O'Rourke