The ICC Champions Trophy has reached its climax, as India and New Zealand will battle it out in the Final at the Dubai International Stadium. Both sides finished in the top two spots of Group A, with India winning all three games.
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Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the match, scoring 5-42 to help India win by 44 runs.
The Men In Blue reached the Final after a reasonably comfortable four-wicket win over Australia in the first semi-final at Dubai.
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The Kiwis eased past South Africa by 50 runs in Lahore courtesy of a match-winning century from Rachin Ravindra.
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India Star To Watch: Rohit Sharma
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Kohli and Chakravarthy have been the two standout players for the Indians in this tournament; however, it would be fitting for them if the Captain plays a match-winning knock in the Final.
Sharma has selflessly changed his approach to get the team off to a fast start in the first powerplay.
However, if he were to convert his fast starts into a big 100, it could be the difference between India winning or losing the Final.
Since becoming the full-time ODI Captain in July 2022, Sharma has scored just three centuries in his 55 matches in charge.
If India were to lift the Champions Trophy courtesy of a match-winning knock from their Captain, that would be the cherry on top of the cake.
New Zealand Star To Watch: Kane Williamson
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The former Kiwi captain also played a superb knock of 102 from 94 balls, helping New Zealand to a match-winning score of 362.
He is the glue of New Zealand’s batting and will be the key for them in the Final, whether posting a winning score on the board or chasing it down.
Williamson has 7,224 runs in 172 ODIs, averaging 49.47 and a strike rate of 81.72.
His record against India is good, with 1,228 runs in 30 ODIs, an average of 45.48, and a strike rate of 75.56.
Can he deliver big innings for New Zealand in the Final?
Could The Toss Be A Deciding Factor?
In three of their four matches, Mitchell Santner has won the toss for the Kiwis.
Sharma is yet to win the toss in this tournament. However, it has not impacted how his side has performed so far in this tournament.
Therefore, you would think that the side that loses the toss will feel less pressure than the side that wins it.
Predictiction
It’s a tough one to call, but as the final is in Dubai, you would have to say that India starts as favourites, as their bowling attack has more variety than New Zealand.
But New Zealand also has match-winners on their team, so don’t write them off just yet.
However, I’m still going for an India win.
Who do you think will win the Champions Trophy on Sunday?
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