By Rohit - Mar 05, 2025 11:31 PM
Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India and New Zealand Set for Epic Title Clash After 25 Years
The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as cricket powerhouses India and New Zealand prepare to lock horns in the title clash on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This marks the first time in 25 years that the two teams will face each other in a white-ball tournament final, reigniting memories of their historic encounters in ICC events. The anticipation is palpable as both teams aim to etch their names in cricketing history.
India, led by the charismatic Rohit Sharma, became the first team to secure their spot in the final after a hard-fought victory over Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai. Chasing a challenging target, India showcased their batting depth and composure under pressure. Key contributions from Shreyas Iyer, who has been in sublime form throughout the tournament, and a disciplined bowling attack spearheaded by spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja, ensured India's passage to the final.
The Men in Blue have been a force to reckon with in the tournament, displaying a perfect blend of youth and experience.
New Zealand, on the other hand, produced a commanding all-round performance to outclass South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore. The Black Caps, known for their resilience in ICC tournaments, put on a masterclass in both batting and bowling. Openers Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson set the tone with centuries, while the spin trio of Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips dismantled South Africa's batting lineup. Despite a valiant century from David Miller, South Africa fell short by 50 runs, ending their campaign on a disappointing note.
New Zealand's victory was a testament to their ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure games.
India and New Zealand have a storied history in ICC tournaments, particularly in knockout matches. This final will be their third meeting in an ICC tournament final, with New Zealand holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record. The last time these two teams met in a white-ball final was in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy in Nairobi, where New Zealand emerged victorious by four wickets. Chris Cairns' heroic unbeaten century in that match remains etched in the memories of cricket fans.
Their most recent encounter in an ICC final was in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship, where New Zealand triumphed over India in a rain-affected contest in Southampton. Kane Williamson's leadership and the team's disciplined bowling attack proved too much for India to handle. However, in the context of white-ball cricket, India will be eager to avenge their past defeats and assert their dominance.
India: Virat Kohli's consistency and experience make him a key player. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy's recent five-wicket haul against New Zealand could play a crucial role in the final.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson's leadership and recent century against South Africa highlight his form. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra's contributions with the bat add depth to their lineup.
The final will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a venue where India has played all their matches in this tournament, potentially giving them a familiarity advantage. The pitch is expected to be slow and spin-friendly, conditions that traditionally favor the Indian team.
The final will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a venue where India has played all their matches in this tournament, potentially giving them a familiarity advantage. The pitch is expected to be slow and spin-friendly, conditions that traditionally favor the Indian team.
Also Read: Rachin Ravindra Shines in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
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