talkSPORT betting tips – Best bets and expert advice for India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy Final
03/07/2025 11:55 AM
The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as India and New Zealand clash in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams have played some exceptional white-ball cricket throughout the tournament, with India remaining undefeated and New Zealand overcoming a strong South African side to reach the final.
India go into the game as favourites after seeing off the challenge of Australia in the last four.
The Men in Blue have won the last five meetings of these nations in the 50-over format and have had the luxury of staying put in Dubai, while their opponents were forced to travel to Pakistan for their semi-final.
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India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final Tips
- India to win – 4/11
- Virat Kohli to score 50+ runs – 7/5
- Kuldeep Yadav to be India’s top bowler – 31/10
India to cash in on a bank of Dubai knowledge
India’s recent dominance in ICC tournaments and their unbeaten run in this Champions Trophy make them favorites on Sunday.
They defeated the Black Caps by 44 runs in the group stage and have the perfect balance in their attack to benefit from the conditions in Dubai.
New Zealand cannot be counted out entirely because they relish the underdog tag and will be full of confidence after their 50-run win over the Proteas.
The Black Caps posted a tournament-record score of 362-6 with Rachin Ravindra making 108 and Kane Williamson adding 102 before their bowlers finished the job in clinical fashion.
However, that was in Lahore and batting has been tougher in Dubai where the final will take place.
India have built up a bank of knowledge about the venue from playing all four of their games there and should prosper on the used wicket that has been selected for use in the final.
Kohli set for a big innings
Virat Kohli has been in sublime form throughout the tournament, demonstrating his enduring class in this format. His ability to pace an innings and accelerate when needed has been crucial to India’s campaign.
Kohli’s technically sound approach has prevailed over some of his teammates' and rivals' attempts to manufacture unorthodox shots in the tournament.
He made an unbeaten century against Pakistan and a match-winning knock of 84 in the semi-final against Australia.
The former India skipper, therefore, looks primed to deliver another big performance in the final with every chance that he surpasses 50 once more.
Back Kuldeep to be India’s spin wizard
When the Black Caps faced the Men in Blue in the final match of the group stage their batting lineup was bamboozled by Indian leggie Varun Chakravarthy.
He claimed five victims with his deceptive changes of flight and pace, finishing with figures of 5-42 off his 10 overs.
Three of his wickets came from googlies and the Kiwis will be determined not to fall into a similar trap on Sunday, which might mean they take a cautious approach with Chakravarthy.
If that is the case, New Zealand's batters will have to take their risks elsewhere and target another bowler.
Kuldeep Yadav likes batters to go on the attack against him and his ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs has made him a big factor in the tournament too.
The 30-year-old took 3-40 against Pakistan and picked up 2-56, including the prize wicket of Daryl Mitchell, against the Kiwis.
His unusual brand of left-arm wrist spin has troubled the best batters in the world and with the Dubai pitch again expected to offer some assistance to spinners, it could play into Kuldeep’s hands, allowing him to exploit any turn and bounce on offer.
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All odds correct at time of writing.
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