The stage is set for a blockbuster final as India and New Zealand face off on March 9 in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Both teams have displayed exceptional performances throughout the tournament, making this an eagerly anticipated contest.
India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, has dominated the tournament with a spin-heavy and aggressive approach. Their consistency and familiarity with Dubai’s conditions give them a significant advantage.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has been in outstanding form, producing remarkable performances and securing a place in the final with a strong comeback. They will be looking to avenge their group-stage loss against India and want their second ICC Champions Trophy title after 25 years.
Tournament controversy and pitch conditions
One of the major talking points of this tournament, has been India’s advantage of playing all their matches in Dubai while other teams had to travel between the UAE and Pakistan.
The pitch conditions have varied significantly—Pakistan’s tracks favored high-scoring encounters, while Dubai’s slower, spin-friendly pitches have suited India’s bowling attack.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged this challenge, stating, “Finals cricket is always different, but we are confident in our approach. India has had the benefit of playing all their games in Dubai, but we have learned valuable lessons from our previous encounter with them.”
A Look Back: ICC
Champions Trophy 2000
New Zealand has been in this position before. On October 15, 2000, they stunned India in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Nairobi, thanks to Chris Cairns’ heroic unbeaten 102. His remarkable innings secured a dramatic four-wicket victory, a moment etched in New Zealand’s cricketing history.
Key Indian players
to watch:
Virat Kohli: The star batter has been in sublime form, scoring 217 runs in four matches, including a match-winning century. With a strike rate of 83.14, he remains a major threat to New Zealand. Kohli is also one half-century away from matching Sachin Tendulkar’s record of six 50+ scores in ICC knockout matches.
Shreyas Iyer: A crucial middle-order batter, Iyer has scored 195 runs at a strike rate of 79.91. His ability to anchor the innings will be key in the final.
Shubman Gill: Known for his expertise against spin, Gill has contributed 157 runs in the tournament. His performance against New Zealand’s bowlers will be crucial.
New Zealand’s key players to watch: Rachin Ravindra: The young all-rounder is just two runs away from being the tournament’s highest run-scorer. With 226 runs, including a century, at a strike rate of 103.66, he will be a key player in both batting and bowling.
Kane Williamson: The experienced batter has scored 189 runs at a strike rate of 85.90. His ability to counter India’s spinners will be crucial to New Zealand’s chances.
Matt Henry: The pacer has been in excellent form, taking 10 wickets in the tournament. If the pitch offers assistance to fast bowlers, he could play a decisive role.
Mitchell Santner: The left-arm spinner has taken seven wickets at an average of 27.71 and will be vital in utilising Dubai’s spin-friendly conditions.
Bowling battle: India’s Spin vs New Zealand’s Adaptability
With slow conditions in Dubai, India’s spin attack will be a decisive factor. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, who have each taken five wickets in the tournament, will test New Zealand’s batters. For the Kiwis, adapting quickly to these conditions will be key if they are to challenge India’s bowling dominance.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to Dubai today, the big question remains: Can New Zealand overcome India’s spin attack and lift their second ICC Champions Trophy? Or will India, with their experience and taking advantage, once again emerge victorious?
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