India and New Zealand are set to face off in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. While both teams have followed different paths to reach the summit clash, history suggests this could be another thrilling Indo-Kiwi showdown.
Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India has dominated the tournament with a well-balanced squad, featuring a formidable four-pronged spin attack and a reliable top order. They cruised through the group stage, defeating Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, before securing a semi-final victory over Australia.
New Zealand, known for exceeding expectations in ICC tournaments, have taken a tougher path to the final. After securing wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh, they fell to India in their last group-stage match but still advanced to the semi-finals. There, they overcame South Africa to earn their spot in the title clash. With momentum on their side, New Zealand will be eager to shatter India’s dream of reclaiming the Champions Trophy after 12 years.
𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙕𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙
New Zealand have been a constant hurdle for India in ICC knockout matches, holding a 3-1 edge in their head-to-head record. Their victories include the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final. While India recently defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the group stage, history favors the Kiwis, who have a knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.
For India, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain crucial, but the team will also rely on Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul to step up with the bat. New Zealand, meanwhile, will count on their all-round depth, with Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson playing key roles in their semi-final victory over South Africa.
India’s spin attack—led by Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy—has been their biggest weapon in the tournament. However, New Zealand counters with an equally formidable spin quartet of Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips. With both teams relying heavily on their spinners, the battle of spin could be the decisive factor in the final.
𝙄𝙉𝘿 𝙫𝙨 𝙉𝙕 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨, 𝘿𝙪𝙗𝙖𝙞 𝙋𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩
The Dubai International Stadium has produced low-scoring thrillers throughout the tournament, and the final will take place on the same pitch that hosted India’s group-stage clash against Pakistan. While the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has given all wickets a two-week rest, the surface is expected to be slow and gripping, offering plenty of assistance to spinners.
India’s spin quartet might hold the edge in these conditions, but New Zealand’s slower bowlers will be equally dangerous. A low-to-mid-scoring contest is likely, with a total in the 270-280 range expected to be highly competitive.
Squads (from):
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
