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IND vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: New Zealand has been dealt with another huge blow as star batter Kane Williamson, who is considered one of the best fielders, won't be taking the field in India's chase of 251 runs during the summit clash of the ongoing mega-event owing to an injury. The New Zealand Cricket Board revealed this even before the second innings began.

“Kane Williamson will not field in the second innings of the Champions Trophy final after picking up a quad strain while batting. Mark Chapman has taken his place in the field,” a statement released by them said. Williamson couldn't score big during the summit clash as he scored just 11 runs but Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed him during the 13th over.

During the first innings, Yadav registered figures of 2/40 as the Indian spinners took advantage of the conditions but Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell scored brilliant half-centuries and helped the team post a respectable target of 251/7.

Also Read: IND vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Virat Kohli Fumes At Kuldeep Yadav As His Poor Fielding Efforts Cost India Easy Wicket

Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell helped the team survive the middle overs while batting first after winning the toss.

But the Mitchell Santner-led side had a flying start although the total that they posted didn't justify that.

They were 69/1 in 10 overs even though Varun Chakravarthy dismissed opener Will Young. Kuldeep Yadav was brought during the 11th over and that changed the tide of the game.

Kuldeep first dismissed Rachin Ravindra, who mistimed a well-bowled googly that rattled his stumps.

He also ended the 57-run partnership, where Ravindra who had slammed Hardik Pandya for a six and two consecutive boundaries, was dropped by Mohammed Shami, when he had scored 28 runs.

During the next over, Williamson had smashed the ball towards Kuldeep, who took the easy catch and left New Zealand reeling for 75/3 in 12 overs.