Champions Trophy: Test of bench, trial against spin as Team India take on Kiwis

With both teams already qualified for the semifinals, Men-in-Blue face New Zealand in final group stage contest

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Having secured their places in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals after registering comprehensive victories in their opening two Group Stage matches, India and New Zealand will lock horns in what has now turned into a rather inconsequential contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Keeping that in mind, both teams are expected to field their second-line players in order to test their bench strength against quality spin bowling. A win in their last league match will help India top the Group A. But that position hardly matters as they are set to face either Australia or most likely South Africa in the last four, and both of them have handy spin units at their disposal.

The Indians have not been really comfortable against spin despite two victories thus far in the event, and New Zealand, boasting of wily customers in Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, alongside the part-time off-spin of Glenn Phillips, could offer them a tough challenge.