India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Tips - Can the Kiwis trip the high-flyers

India have been the team to beat this tournament, winning all games comfortably, including one against New Zealand. Incidentally, playing all matches at this venue looks to have worked in its favour. The Kiwis can’t be taken lightly, though, as they have an uncanny knack of rising up to the occasion in ICC tournaments. Is the law of averages set to bite India at the worst possible time? I am tempted to back the Kiwis against the trend.

There have been 119 ODIs between India and New Zealand so far, with 61 wins for India and 50 wins for New Zealand. Seven matches ended without any result, while one ended in a tie.

The Kiwis were outplayed in the group stage when the sides met earlier in Dubai. India scored 249 for 9 with Iyer (79) top-scoring. Matt Henry (5 for 42) kept India on a leash. The chase was on for some time with Williamson (81) leading the charge, but Varun Chakaravarthy (5 for 42) applied the brakes.

India topped Group A with wins over Bangladesh (six wickets), Pakistan (six wickets), and New Zealand (44 runs). They outsmarted Australia in the semis by four wickets.

The Men in Blue have seen Virat Kohli (217 runs) rise to the occasion along with Iyer (195). All the bowlers shared the burden with Mohammed Shami (eight wickets) and Chakaravarthy (seven) leading the show.

Despite all their comprehensive wins, India haven’t had success with their opening partnerships, both with bat and ball. Their spinners have used the conditions to their advantage, but over-dependence on their performances could prove catastrophic.

India could repeat the same XI from the semis.

New Zealand qualified second in Group A behind India. They won against Pakistan (60 runs) and Bangladesh (five wickets) but lost to India (44 runs). They bounced back to defeat South Africa by 50 runs in the semis.

Rachin Ravindra (226 runs) has been the bright spot for the Kiwis, scoring two centuries in three innings. Williamson and Latham have a 100 & 50 each to their name in this tournament. Henry (10) is not just their best bowler but also the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

Despite those wins, the Kiwis have struggled in Dubai in the only match they played here. Although they have time and again risen up in ICC tournaments, can they do it in alien conditions in Dubai once again?

The Kiwis have Henry under an injury cloud, but he may end up playing the final. They may spring a surprise by playing Devon Conway in place of O’Rourke.