The IND vs NZ fixture left in the Group A games is the only meaningful game left for the Group A teams, since Pakistan vs Bangladesh is just a game of restoring some honour for either team before the two make their exits from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
After New Zealand’s victory against Bangladesh in their second match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, they not only assured their entry into the semis but also sealed the spot for India and ended all hopes for the hosts, Pakistan.
After this win, the two semi-finalists are known from Group A; however, India vs. New Zealand still holds immense importance for various reasons.
Know why India vs. New Zealand still remains a crucial match:
IND vs NZ: The winner of the match will secure the first semi-final spot
New Zealand and India have advanced to the semi-finals for sure, but it is only that the winning side will be placed at the top of the points table from group A, and hence India and Kiwis both will be in a hunt to secure the spot.
If India or New Zealand seals the top spot, they will play against the team that would qualify second from Group B and vice versa if they qualify from the second spot. Likely considering the chances of Group B, the Aussies might be making it to the semis from the top spot of their group, not a very good sign for both India and New Zealand if they are in second position, considering their past record in ICC playoffs against the Aussies.
IND vs NZ: New Zealand would have exposure to the pitch in Dubai
The match holds even more importance from New Zealand’s point of view since they have not yet played a match in Dubai. If New Zealand can advance into the finals and India also advances into the finals, both will play their semis against Group B teams.
According to the ICC hybrid model of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, under this presumed scenario, the Men in Blue will then take on the Blackcaps in the final at the Dubai International Stadium, and hence New Zealand’s prior experience might have a huge role to play here.
IND vs NZ: India will square off with the Kiwi players for once
Similarly for India, if under the above-assumed situation, both India and New Zealand win their respective semi-final matches and can advance into the finals, then the experience of this match would add great value to their CT final campaign.
Likely India does not have a great record against New Zealand in 50-over ICC tournaments, only winning on occasion, which came during the semi-final of the World Cup 2023. However, New Zealand also does not stand much of a chance owing to their disgusting patch over decades in the playoffs of ICC tournaments.
Hence, this group stage match will give India a sight of New Zealand’s stunning efforts on the field and also their in-form batters in Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Latham, and Glenn Phillips. While also the Indian batters, who have in recent times struggled against spin, would face off against Michael Bracewell and Santner in real time.
