India vs New Zealand in Champions Trophy: Three things that make it an ultra-important match

On the face of it, the concluding group-stage fixture of the Champions Trophy between India and New Zealand on Sunday may seem inconsequential. Both the teams are through to the semifinals and all four semifinalists have been confirmed, but there's a lot more to this match in Dubai than it appears.
Talking about the three things to look forward to in the match, former India opener Aakash Chopra previewed the game in a video on Star Sports.
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1. Who will India face in the semis?
"That is the overarching, overriding theme in this one game," said Chopra.
India's opponents in their semifinal in Dubai on March 4 will be decided by whether they top Group A by beating New Zealand or finish second. A victory over the Kiwis will pit the 2013 champions against the number two team in Group B, Australia. In case of a defeat, they will be up against Group B toppers South Africa.

2. India may test their bench strength
India captain Rohit Sharma (hamstring) and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami (calf) have had a niggle in lead up to the game against the Kiwis. If the team management decides to allow them more rest, then Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh may get their first game of the tournament.
Also, there have been reports of Varun Chakravarthy getting a chance in place of fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
But the catch is that there's only a day's gap between the match against the Kiwis and the semifinal on Tuesday.
"Will India pick a full-strength squad (playing XI) because there was a one-week gap since their last match (vs Pakistan on February 23) and they have the semifinal in two days' time on the 4th (March)?" Chopra said about the tricky situation facing India.
"Focus will also be on whether Mohammed Shami plays or Arshdeep Singh is given a chance."

3. First even match-up for India
The Indian team hasn't been tested in their two group matches so far, beating both Bangladesh and Pakistan with an identical margin of six wickets while chasing.
Chopra previewed the match as the first even contest for tournament favourites India. However, Rohit & Co will have the advantage of knowing the conditions and the pitch better because they have been playing at the same venue, Dubai, throughout.
"For the first time (in this Champions Trophy), it's an even match-up with the opposition," Chopra said about India's last group game. "If we do man-to-man marking, then you feel that the two teams are even-stevens.
"We have three spinners, they too have three quality spinners. They have batters who play spin well, and we too have the same. Our fast bowling is a little inexperienced and so is theirs," he added.

The former opener also said that the two teams could go on to play the final as well.
"This could turn out to be a rehearsal of what is scheduled for March 9 (the final). So there is plenty to look forward to," Chopra concluded.