On the face of it, the concluding group-stage fixture of the Champions Trophy between India and New Zealand on Sunday could seem inconsequential. Each 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.
Speaking concerning the three issues to stay up for within the match, former India opener Aakash Chopra previewed the sport in a video on Star Sports activities.
Go Past The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
1. Who will India face within the semis?
“That’s the overarching, overriding theme on this one recreation,” mentioned Chopra.
India’s opponents of their semifinal in Dubai on March four shall 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 group 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 group administration decides to permit them extra relaxation, then Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh might get their first recreation of the match.
Additionally, there have been stories of Varun Chakravarthy getting an opportunity rather than fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
However the catch is that there is solely a day’s hole between the match towards the Kiwis and the semifinal on Tuesday.
“Will India choose a full-strength squad (taking part in XI) as a result of there was a one-week hole since their final match (vs Pakistan on February 23) they usually have the semifinal in two days’ time on the 4th (March)?” Chopra mentioned concerning the difficult state of affairs dealing with India.
“Focus will even be on whether or not Mohammed Shami performs or Arshdeep Singh is given an opportunity.”
3. First even match-up for India
The Indian group hasn’t been examined of 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. Nevertheless, Rohit & Co could have the benefit of understanding the circumstances and the pitch higher as a result of they’ve been taking part in on the identical venue, Dubai, all through.
“For the primary time (on this Champions Trophy), it is a fair match-up with the opposition,” Chopra mentioned about India’s final group recreation. “If we do man-to-man marking, you then really feel that the 2 groups are even-stevens.
“We’ve got three spinners, they too have three high quality spinners. They’ve batters who play spin properly, and we too have the identical. Our quick bowling is a little bit inexperienced and so is theirs,” he added.
The previous opener additionally mentioned that the 2 groups might go on to play the ultimate as properly.
“This might transform a rehearsal of what’s scheduled for March 9 (the ultimate). So there’s lots to stay up for,” Chopra concluded.
