India vs New Zealand Live Score, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: In-form India aims for 6-0 streak against NZ to claim the top spot

India vs New Zealand Live Score, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Battle for Top Spot as Knockouts Loom

Twelve days after kicking off the group stage against one subcontinental giant, New Zealand now prepares to wrap it up against the other. With both India and New Zealand having already secured their spots in the knockout rounds, the only question left is who finishes first and who finishes second—determining whether they will face Australia or South Africa in the semifinals.

New Zealand now heads to Dubai, a venue that has functioned almost like a home ground for India, though the extent of that advantage depends on perspective. The Black Caps, true to their ICC tournament reputation, have gone about their campaign with quiet efficiency. A commanding win over Pakistan in Karachi—powered by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham—set the tone, followed by Rachin Ravindra’s sparkling century against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Their batting has been as steady as ever, complemented by a significant boost from their spinners, with captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell delivering strong performances.

Meanwhile, India has spent the past week in Dubai, their progression to the knockouts all but sealed since Virat Kohli’s match-winning century against Pakistan last Sunday. Their tournament has been a showcase of dominance, fitting for a team widely regarded as the strongest in the competition. Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul and Shubman Gill’s sublime century against Bangladesh further underlined their confidence. With a quick turnaround to the semifinals, India knows this will be their toughest test so far.

India’s chase-centric strategy has been effective, even on surfaces favoring teams batting first. Their ability to control the opposition’s scoring with three world-class spinners—combined with a deep, versatile batting lineup—makes them a formidable force. Despite this, they may opt to bat first this time to test their ability to set and defend a total, though Rohit Sharma will be hoping to finally end his unlucky streak at the toss, which dates back to the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Speaking of that World Cup, both teams will remember their semifinal clash at the Wankhede, where India posted a mammoth 397, courtesy of blazing starts from Rohit Sharma and Gill, Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 50th ODI century, and Shreyas Iyer’s explosive hundred. That match showcased India’s ability to accelerate at both ends of the innings, a blueprint they have continued to follow. However, New Zealand also proved their resilience, with Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell mounting a 181-run partnership before Mohammed Shami’s brilliant 7-57 turned the game in India’s favor.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj absent from this tournament, Shami will be expected to lead the attack once again, this time alongside young pacer Harshit Rana. Whether he can replicate his match-winning impact remains to be seen, but it could be a decisive factor in the contest.

While the outcome may not drastically alter either team's tournament trajectory, the psychological edge and momentum heading into the semifinals remain crucial. Even in a relatively low-stakes scenario, both sides will scrutinize every detail, knowing that fine margins often determine knockout success. A game well worth watching as the Champions Trophy heats up.