The grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy (CT) 2025 is set, with India and New Zealand locking horns in Dubai. India remains unbeaten in the tournament, including a comprehensive 44-run victory over the Kiwis in the group stage. However, New Zealand, determined to avenge that defeat, will be eager to secure their second Champions Trophy title.
📅 Match Date: March 9, 2025
⏰ Nepali Time: 2:45 PM
🏟 Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
Match Preview
India’s Journey
India topped the group stage with notable wins, including a victory over New Zealand, the same team they will face in the final. They continued their dominance with a crucial semifinal win against Australia. The Men in Blue are looking to maintain their winning momentum and secure their third Champions Trophy title.
New Zealand’s Journey
New Zealand finished second in the same group as India. The Black Caps have been in top form, breaking multiple records, including registering the highest-ever team total in Champions Trophy history against South Africa in the semifinal. Despite their group-stage loss to India, New Zealand remains a formidable opponent.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Total Matches: 119
- India Wins: 61
- New Zealand Wins: 50
Head-to-Head in CT
- India Wins: 1
- New Zealand Wins: 1
- Most Notable Encounter: New Zealand defeated India by four wickets in the 2000 final in Nairobi to win their only Champions Trophy title.
Pitch & Weather Report
- Weather: A bright and sunny day is forecast with no rain. Temperatures will start at 34°C and drop to 28°C in the evening.
- Pitch: A fresh pitch is expected, but it is likely to be on the slower side, favoring spinners and slower bowlers.
Predicted Playing XI
India:
The introduction of Chakravarthy after 2 games has paid off with seven wickets in two games, which means he will keep his place, and Harshit Rana will sit out the final.
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand:
New Zealand had a slight scare during their semifinal when Henry seemingly injured his shoulder while diving in the field. The New Zealand camp are hopeful that the key fast bowler will be declared fit for the final. If Henry is cleared to play, the Blackcaps are expected to remain unchanged as well.
Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Matt Henry/Nathan Smith
Key Players to Watch
✅ Virat Kohli (India): The Indian batting great has rediscovered his form, averaging 57.1 against New Zealand with six centuries in 32 ODIs.
✅ Shubman Gill (India): The top-rated ODI batter has an average of 74 and two centuries against New Zealand.
✅ Varun Chakravarthy (India): Took a five-wicket haul in the group-stage match against the Kiwis and will be crucial on a slow pitch.
✅ Kane Williamson (New Zealand): The Kiwi skipper was the top scorer against India in the group stage and will be their batting anchor.
✅ Matt Henry (New Zealand): The tournament’s leading wicket-taker; if fit, he will be New Zealand’s biggest bowling threat.
✅ Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): As captain and all-rounder, Santner’s left-arm spin will be a major factor on the slow Dubai pitch.
Prize Money Breakdown
- Winners: 2.24 million dollars
- Runners-up: 1.12 million dollars
Where to Watch from Nepal
📺 Live on: Star Sports Network, YoSin TV
