The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to be an exciting conclusion to a memorable tournament. India and New Zealand, both having delivered remarkable performances over the past few weeks, will face off today for the prestigious trophy.
The tournament has been full of drama and controversy, starting long before the first ball was bowled and continuing throughout. However, the competition has sparked passion, with India at the center of much of it. The Indian team is determined to win their second consecutive ICC trophy and remove the pressure of not winning a final against New Zealand.
Dubai will host the final, and the pitch there has been favorable to spin bowlers, unlike the fast-paced wickets in Pakistan. Both teams have already faced each other in Dubai earlier in the tournament, where India emerged victorious by 44 runs. This match has given both sides valuable insights, particularly New Zealand’s batting performance that nearly managed to chase down India’s total.
Head-to-Head Record in ODIs:
- Matches Played: 119
- India Wins: 61
- New Zealand Wins: 50
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 7
New Zealand will take confidence from their success with the new ball, having taken key wickets of Indian stars like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli in their previous encounter. However, India boasts a strong batting lineup, with players like KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja providing depth in the middle order.
The Indian team’s strategy revolves around a four-man spin attack that has worked well in the middle overs, maintaining pressure and keeping opponents in check.
India’s Likely XI:
- Openers: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill
- Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja
- Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
- Pacer: Mohammed Shami
New Zealand’s Likely XI:
- Openers: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra
- Middle Order: Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (Wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips
- All-rounders: Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Kyle Jamieson
- Pacers: William O’Rourke, Nathan Smith
Rachin Ravindra, who has been in exceptional form, will be a key figure for New Zealand. India will need to get him out early to prevent him from dominating the game. Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and Daryl Mitchell also pose threats with their batting.
On the bowling front, New Zealand will rely on Mitchell Santner, who has been brilliant in controlling the middle overs, and Michael Bracewell, who has also been effective.
India is the favorite to win the final, given their balance and dominance in the tournament. They’ve also had the advantage of staying in Dubai longer compared to New Zealand, who have had a more grueling travel schedule. However, New Zealand, known for their underdog victories, will not be intimidated and will aim to spoil India’s title bid.
This final promises to be a thrilling contest, filled with tension and excitement as both teams battle for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Key Notes:
- India has never defeated New Zealand in an ICC final.
- New Zealand has won two ICC finals against India: the 2000 Champions Trophy and the 2021 World Test Championship.
- India has won their last six ODIs against New Zealand.
- The final will be played on the same pitch as the India vs Pakistan match two weeks ago.
- This could be Rohit Sharma’s final ODI.
