Team India is likely to rest a senior player for NZ match. Photo: AP
With an aim to finish at the top spot, India and New Zealand will meet in their last league stage match of the 2025 Champions Trophy on Sunday (March 2). Both teams have made it to the second round of the tournament and have nothing much to gain from the fixture. India could make one change in the playing XI and rest Mohammed Shami for the fixture.
PTI has reported that Arshdeep Singh bowled 13 overs during the practice session ahead of the game while Shami bowled 6-7 overs. The senior pacer didn't bowl with his full run-up.
Arshdeep hasn't played a game in the tournament yet. Should he replace Shami in the final XI, it will be his first game in an ICC ODI event. He wasn't part of India's 2023 ODI World Cup team. He was a member of India's 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team.
Rohit Sharma fit
Rohit Sharma is fit and there is no doubt over his participation in the game. The India captain had a hamstring issue in the previous game and walked off the field for a brief period. Shubman Gill will lead the Men in Blue if Rohit takes a rest.
India to face Australia or South Africa
India will face Australia or South Africa in the semi-final. SA won 2 out of their 3 matches and have 5 points in their account at an NRR of +2.395. Australia finished at the second position with 1 win and 4 points at an NRR of +0.475.
Afghanistan also won a game but they have 3 points. Afghanistan lost against SA while their game against Australia was washed out without a result.
India will face Australia if they finish at the top spot. The Men in Blue will be up against SA if they fall short against NZ in the last league stage game of the tournament.
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