Aakash Chopra, a former cricket player for India, thinks New Zealand can probably beat India in their last Group A match of the Champions Trophy 2025, but he isn’t sure if they will be successful. The much-anticipated matchup between the table toppers is scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday, March 2.
For those who are unaware, both clubs have already secured their spots in the Group’s semifinals. In a video, the former opening batsman was questioned about the Kiwis’ ability to compete with Rohit Sharma and his squad. Despite India’s crushing defeat at home against the dark horses in recent months, he seems to believe that they are heavyweights. Additionally, he believed that the Men in Blue would probably face New Zealand again in the knockout stage.
“They have the ability to defeat us, but I’m not sure if they will succeed. New Zealand and India, in my opinion, will play each other twice in this tournament: once in the group stage and once in the championship match. In response to a query on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated, “New Zealand is a well-rounded team with three excellent spinners.”
Aakash Chopra says Jamieson consistently performs well versus India.
Aakash Chopra also agreed that New Zealand’s pace attack is a little naive, but it concentrates on the threat posed by Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and William O’Rourke. Even though the Black Cap is tough, Chopra denied that India finds it difficult to defeat them in ODIs. In addition, the 47-year-old advised against making needless last-minute adjustments to India’s starting lineup.
“Jamieson consistently performs well when playing India. He changes into a new bowler; I’m not sure what happens to him. They are taller than Henry and O’Rourke, which can help them in these situations. Additionally, their assault gains depth from their spin trio of Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell,” he added.
“It’s not as if we give up on New Zealand. We defeated them in the 2023 World Cup semifinal and in Dharamsala. Therefore, even if they may cause us problems, it is not a given that they will defeat us. We have momentum, but they will push and challenge us. I anticipate a fantastic contest. Players aim to maintain their form. At this point, no one needs to rest,” Chopra said.
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