IND vs NZ: Head-To-Head Record, Pitch & Weather Forecast, Predicted Playing XIs
Both India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semi-finals, but the winner of this match will finish at the top of Group A.
The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, has been in dominant form in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a semi-final spot with 6-wicket win over Pakistan and Bangladesh. Their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai will determine the Group A topper, shaping the semi-final matchups.
A Battle for No. 1 Spot
Both India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semi-finals, but the winner of this match will finish at the top of Group A. The result will decide who faces South Africa or Australia in the next stage:
If India wins, they will top Group A and face Australia in the semi-finals.
If New Zealand wins, they will top Group A, and India will face South Africa in the semi-finals.
With semi-finals just around the corner, both teams might consider resting key players to manage workload and avoid injuries.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in ODIs & ICC Tournaments
Total ODIs Played: 118
India Wins: 60
New Zealand Wins: 50
No Result: 7
Tied: 1
ICC Champions Trophy History: India and New Zealand have faced off only once, with New Zealand winning.
ICC ODI World Cup Record:
Matches Played: 11
India Wins: 5
New Zealand Wins: 5
No Result: 1
While New Zealand has been a challenging opponent in ICC tournaments, India has generally held the upper hand in bilateral ODIs.
Dubai Pitch & Match Conditions
The Dubai pitch is slow and spin-friendly.
The new ball might assist pacers initially, but spinners will play a crucial role as the match progresses.
In the two matches played in Dubai so far, no team has crossed 250 runs.
India successfully chased 229 (vs Bangladesh) and 242 (vs Pakistan) with ease.
Chasing teams have won 36 out of 60 matches on this ground, making the toss crucial.
Weather Forecast for March 2
No rain expected, as per AccuWeather.
Temperature: 24°C (max), 21°C (min)
The match starts at 2:30 PM local time.
Possible Changes in Playing XI
With a semi-final berth secured, both teams may rotate their squad:
India: Mohammed Shami, who had an injury concern against Pakistan, may be rested. Arshdeep Singh could replace him after an extensive practice session under bowling coach Morne Morkel.
New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell could replace Kyle Jamieson.
Predicted Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami/Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav.
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson/Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke.
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