India will face New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be the second time the two teams meet in the final of a global event in the 2020s.
Earlier, in June 2021, England hosted the inaugural World Test Championship final, where New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets to become the first-ever WTC champions. The upcoming Champions Trophy final will be a white-ball contest. Notably, New Zealand holds a 1-0 lead over India in ICC ODI tournament finals.
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The only previous ICC ODI tournament final between India and New Zealand took place in the 2000 Champions Trophy, then known as the ICC KnockOut Cup. Held in Nairobi on October 15, New Zealand won the match by four wickets to claim the title.
Indian captain Sourav Ganguly led from the front with a brilliant century, scoring 117 runs to help India set a 265-run target. In response, New Zealand’s Chris Cairns played a match-winning knock, remaining unbeaten on 102 as the Blackcaps chased down the total, finishing at 265/6 in 49.4 overs.
Can India defeat New Zealand in their second ICC ODI tournament final encounter?
India have never defeated New Zealand in an ICC tournament final. They fell short in the 2000 Champions Trophy final and again in the 2021 World Test Championship final. Despite their unfavorable record against New Zealand in ICC finals, Rohit Sharma’s side will enter the upcoming match as favorites.
India remains unbeaten in ODIs in Dubai, the venue for the final. Additionally, they recently defeated New Zealand there during the group stage. Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to maintain their unbeaten streak against India in ICC tournament finals.
The Blackcaps have a history of stepping up in high-pressure games, as seen in their triumphs in the 2000 Champions Trophy and the 2021 World Test Championship final. With both teams in strong form, an exciting final awaits in Dubai.
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