Team India is set to face New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The two teams previously clashed in the league stage, where the Men in Blue emerged victorious at the same venue.
India remains unbeaten in the tournament, having secured wins in all three group-stage matches and the semifinal. They kicked off their campaign with a victory over Bangladesh, followed by triumphs against Pakistan and New Zealand, advancing to the knockout stage without a loss.
New Zealand, meanwhile, won their first two matches but suffered a defeat against Rohit Sharma’s side. However, their prior experience of playing in Dubai could prove advantageous in the final.
Notably, this marks India’s third consecutive appearance in a Champions Trophy final. Over the years, Indian bowlers have delivered several outstanding performances in title clashes. Here are India’s top five bowling spells in Champions Trophy finals:
#1 Ravindra Jadeja – 2/24 – 2013
The Saurashtra cricketer is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders to have played for Team India. He has consistently delivered under pressure, stepping up when the team needed him the most. Similarly, Ravindra Jadeja produced a crucial spell in the 2013 Champions Trophy final against England in Birmingham.
In a rain-shortened 20-over match, with India defending 129 runs, Jadeja dismissed Ian Bell and Jos Buttler, finishing with 2/25 in four overs. His effort was crucial as the Men in Blue defended the total against a strong England side, securing a five-run win and their second Champions Trophy title.
#2 Ravichandra Ashwin – 2/15 – 2013
The former Indian spinner showcased his brilliance in the 2013 Champions Trophy final against England. Ravichandran Ashwin, along with Ravindra Jadeja, put the English batters under immense pressure in a low-scoring encounter.
Ashwin played a pivotal role by dismissing Jonathan Trott and Joe Root in the middle overs, disrupting England’s run chase. The experienced off-spinner delivered an economical spell, finishing with figures of 2/15 from four overs. In the end, the hosts managed only 124/8 while chasing a target of 130, falling short by five runs.
#3 Zaheer Khan – 3/44 – 2002
Former pacer Zaheer Khan, one of India’s finest left-arm fast bowlers, stood out for his swing and reverse swing skills. In the 2002 Champions Trophy final against Sri Lanka, despite the match ending in a no result, a young Zaheer made a lasting impact with his performance in the first innings.
The Mumbai cricketer made an instant impact, dismissing Sanath Jayasuriya on the first ball. He also took the wickets of Mahela Jayawardene and Chaminda Vaas, finishing with 3/44. India reached 38/1 before rain halted play. A reserve-day match was scheduled, but persistent rain led to India and Sri Lanka being declared joint winners.
#4 Harbhajan Singh – 3/27 – 2002
The 2002 Champions Trophy final in Colombo between India and Sri Lanka was disrupted by continuous rain. A reserve-day match was scheduled, with Sri Lanka opting to bat first after winning the toss.
Despite a strong start, Harbhajan Singh turned the game by taking three quick wickets, including Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, and Aravinda de Silva. His 3/27 helped India restrict Sri Lanka to 244/5. However, rain interrupted India’s chase, leading to both teams being declared joint winners.
#5 Venkatesh Prasad – 3/27 – 2000
Karnataka pacer Venkatesh Prasad delivered a brilliant spell in the 2000 Champions Trophy final, though India fell short. After Sourav Ganguly’s century powered India to 264/6, Prasad gave the team a strong start by dismissing Craig Spearman and Stephen Fleming.
He later removed Chris Harris, finishing with 3/27, but Chris Cairns’ unbeaten 102 led New Zealand to victory. Prasad’s spell remains the best by an Indian in a Champions Trophy final.
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