India vs New Zealand in Champions Trophy: Three things that make it an ultra-important match | Cricket News

On the face of it, the concluding group-stage fixture of the Champions Trophy between India and New Zealand on Sunday could seem inconsequential. Both the groups are by to the semifinals and all 4 semifinalists have been confirmed, however there’s much more to this match in Dubai than it seems.
Talking concerning the three things to sit up for in the match, former India opener Aakash Chopra previewed the sport in a video on Star Sports.
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1. Who will India face in the semis?
“That is the overarching, overriding theme in this one game,” stated Chopra.
India’s opponents in their semifinal in Dubai on March 4 can be determined by whether or not they prime Group A by beating New Zealand or end second. A victory over the Kiwis will pit the 2013 champions towards the quantity two workforce in Group B, Australia. In case of a defeat, they are going to be up towards Group B toppers South Africa.

2. India might check their bench power
India captain Rohit Sharma (hamstring) and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami (calf) have had a niggle in lead as much as the sport towards the Kiwis. If the workforce administration decides to permit them extra relaxation, then Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh might get their first sport of the match.
Also, there have been reviews of Varun Chakravarthy getting an opportunity in place of fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
But the catch is that there’s solely a day’s hole between the match towards the Kiwis and the semifinal on Tuesday.
“Will India pick a full-strength squad (playing XI) because there was a one-week gap since their last match (vs Pakistan on February 23) and they have the semifinal in two days’ time on the 4th (March)?” Chopra stated concerning the tough state of affairs dealing with India.
“Focus will also be on whether Mohammed Shami plays or Arshdeep Singh is given a chance.”

3. First even match-up for India
The Indian workforce hasn’t been examined in their two group matches to date, beating each Bangladesh and Pakistan with an similar margin of six wickets whereas chasing.
Chopra previewed the match as the primary even contest for match favourites India. However, Rohit & Co could have the benefit of figuring out the situations and the pitch higher as a result of they’ve been enjoying on the similar venue, Dubai, all through.
“For the first time (in this Champions Trophy), it’s an even match-up with the opposition,” Chopra stated about India’s final group sport. “If we do man-to-man marking, then you feel that the two teams are even-stevens.
“We have three spinners, they too have three high quality spinners. They have batters who play spin properly, and we too have the identical. Our quick bowling is a bit inexperienced and so is theirs,” he added.

The former opener also said that the two teams could go on to play the final as well.
“This may change into a rehearsal of what’s scheduled for March 9 (the ultimate). So there’s loads to sit up for,” Chopra concluded.