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India may have a difficult time overcoming New Zealand in Sunday's Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, according to former batter Wasim Jaffer. India led the points table after defeating the Black Caps by 44 runs in their Group A match, but Jaffer thought New Zealand would be more ready because they had already played in Dubai. New Zealand has a potent bowling arsenal with a variety of spin options, Jaffer added. Their spin department also includes athletes like Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, in addition to experts Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell.
Jaffer warns Rohit and company
"India beat New Zealand with ease earlier in the tournament, but I don't think it will be that easy this time. New Zealand would be a little better prepared. They will be used to the conditions as well because they have already played once in Dubai,” Jaffer said on former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali’s YouTube channel.
"They have that depth in the batting. They have bowling that would suit the conditions in Dubai. Mitchell Santner has captained and bowled really well. They also have Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. They have a lot of options, which the other teams didn't have," Jaffer added.
In the group match against India, Santner made an impression by getting rid of KL Rahul and finishing with 10-1-41-1. After defeating South Africa in the semi-final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, New Zealand would be bursting with confidence. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both struck hundreds to help the Kiwis reach 362 for six.
In spite of David Miller's outstanding century off 67 balls, New Zealand was able to hold South Africa to 312 for nine. India advanced to the final by defeating Australia by four wickets in their semi-final match. With 11 balls remaining, Virat Kohli's 84 runs were essential to India's triumph.
The Indian team will now face New Zealand in the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have faced each other twice in an ICC tournament Final, and the BlackCaps came out victorious on both occasions.
In their previous clash which was also the final group game of the mega tournament, the Men in Blue managed top get the better of New Zealand and pull off a big win. Later, India defeated Australia in the semi-final and the Kiwis beat South Africa.
