The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be a thrilling contest between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9.
With two of the most consistent teams in cricket facing off, it’s set to be a real cracker.
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India has been dominant throughout the tournament while New Zealand have again proven why they are the ultimate dark horses in ICC events.
History suggests it could be another Indo-Kiwi classic, both teams want to win silverware.
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India, led by Rohit Sharma, has been in top form. They romped through the group stage, beating Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand before thrashing Australia in the semi-finals.
Their top order has been solid, with Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul delivering consistently.
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But their biggest weapon has been their bowling attack. With Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as spin options and Shami leading the pace attack, India has made life miserable for opposition batsmen on slow and gripping surfaces.
New Zealand has taken a tougher route to the final. After beating Pakistan and Bangladesh, they lost to India in their last group stage match.
But in typical Kiwi fashion, they bounced back to beat South Africa in a thriller in the semi-finals.
With Kane Williamson’s leadership, Rachin Ravindra’s explosive batting and a well rounded bowling attack, they will go into the final with confidence.
The Black Caps have shown time and again they thrive in high pressure situations and if history is anything to go by, they won’t make it easy for India.
One of the biggest talking points going into this match is New Zealand’s record in ICC knockouts against India.
The Kiwis lead 3-1 in these encounters, having famously knocked India out of the 2019 World Cup semi-final and won the 2021 World Test Championship final.
Though India beat them in the group stage this time, the pressure of a final is a different ball game. If there’s one team that knows how to handle such situations, it’s New Zealand.
The pitch at the Dubai International Stadium has always helped spinners but recent reports suggest it might also help pacers under lights.
The final will be played on the same surface where India played Pakistan earlier in the tournament. 270-280 could be a competitive score but the pitch will slow down as the match progresses.
India’s spin trio of Kuldeep, Jadeja and Axar has been their biggest strength, New Zealand isn’t far behind with Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra providing variety.
India may have the edge in terms of form and squad balance but New Zealand has a habit of rising to the occasion when it matters the most.
If they can make early inroads into India’s top order and control the middle overs they have a chance to flip the script.
But if India sticks to their strength and plays the way they have all tournament they will be tough to stop.
This is more than just a final it’s a battle between two teams with unfinished business. For India it’s about winning the Champions Trophy after 12 long years.
For New Zealand it’s about proving they can go all the way. Whatever the outcome one thing is for sure cricket fans are in for a treat.
