India will face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final today in Dubai. This match could be the last match for veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. Kohli, 36, and Rohit, 37, have been key players of India for over 15 years. After retiring from T20 internationals last year, this final might be their last ODI appearance, with the next 50-over World Cup set for 2027.
“I’m sure Rohit will lead India to another title,” said former bowler Praveen Kumar. “Virat and Rohit, give us one more ICC trophy before you retire.”
India entered the final as favorites, having won all four of their matches in the tournament. They defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the group stage, though both teams had already secured semi-final spots. India played all their games in Dubai, avoiding travel to host nation Pakistan due to political tensions.
Kohli silenced critics with an unbeaten 100 against Pakistan and a match-winning 84 against Australia in the semi-final. While Rohit’s highest score has been 41, he provided quick starts, helping India build competitive totals in the played matches.
Read more: Champions Trophy Tournament Concludes In Pakistan
India aims to win the Champions Trophy for a record third time. Their powerful spin attack has been crucial, as they stuck with the same spin-heavy lineup against Australia, and it paid off again.
New Zealand, hoping for their second title after winning in 2000, reached the final by beating South Africa by 50 runs in Lahore.
Rachin Ravindra, who has Indian roots, has scored 226 runs in the three matches despite an earlier head injury. “We’re not sure how the Dubai pitch will play,” Ravindra said. “We focus on adapting to the conditions and will see what happens on the day.”
While India might have crowd support in the 25,000-seat stadium, New Zealand have recent history on their side. They stunned India with a 3-0 Test whitewash last year and lead their head-to-head record in global white-ball tournaments with nine wins, six losses, and one no-result.
The stage is set for a thrilling final, with cricket fans eager to see whether India lifts another trophy or the Black Caps pull off another upset.
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