Champions Trophy Final: New Zealand set to bat first against India

(Web Desk): The ICC Champions Trophy final match is being played today between the teams of India and New Zealand. The match is taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bat.

At the toss, Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner mentioned that bowler Matt Henry was not playing in the final due to injury. He also noted that, as expected, a large number of Indian fans were present in the stadium. He said that the pitch looked good and was similar to the one used in the previous match against India.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma said that New Zealand is a very good team, and that the decision to bat second does not matter.

It is worth noting that India and New Zealand are meeting in the Champions Trophy final for the first time in 25 years. 25 years ago, in the final of the second edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, held in Nairobi, New Zealand defeated India by 4 wickets, thanks to a brilliant century by Chris Cairns.

India is playing its fifth Champions Trophy final, while New Zealand is playing its third. Both teams have faced each other twice in the Champions Trophy, with each winning one match.