India Aims for a Third ICC Champions Trophy Title – Can New Zealand Stop Them?
The ICC Champions Trophy final is set to take place in Dubai on March 9, 2025, featuring an exciting clash between India and New Zealand. India enters the match as the favorite, having dominated the tournament with an unbeaten run, while New Zealand is looking to add a second Champions Trophy title to their name. This final holds extra significance as it could mark the end of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI careers. With high stakes, star players, and a pitch that favors spin, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest.
Table of Contents |
[India vs New Zealand: The Ultimate Clash in Dubai](#1. India vs New Zealand: The Ultimate Clash in Dubai) |
[India's Unbeaten Run to the Final](#2. India's Unbeaten Run to the Final) |
[New Zealand’s Battle for Their Second Trophy](#3. New Zealand’s Battle for Their Second Trophy) |
[Key Players Who Could Decide the Final](#4. Key Players Who Could Decide the Final) |
[Tactical Strategies for the Final](#5. Tactical Strategies for the Final) |
[Playing XI Predictions and Expected Lineups](#6. Playing XI Predictions and Expected Lineups) |
[Who Will Win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?](#7. Who Will Win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?) |
1. India vs New Zealand: The Ultimate Clash in Dubai
The ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai is set for March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This match is not just another final; it could mark the end of an era for Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. India, unbeaten in the tournament so far, will face a strong New Zealand side that has a history of upsetting big teams in ICC events.
Date and Venue Details
Date: March 9, 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Capacity: 25,000 spectators
Match Time and Broadcast Information
Match Start Time: 6:00 PM UAE Time
Broadcast: Official ICC broadcasters and streaming services
Dubai International Stadium: Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Behavior: The Dubai pitch has favored spinners throughout the tournament. Batting has been difficult under lights.
Weather: A warm evening with temperatures around 25°C. No rain expected.
Importance of the Match for India and New Zealand
India is aiming for its third ICC Champions Trophy title, having won in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013.
New Zealand won its only Champions Trophy in 2000 and is looking to end a long wait for another ICC trophy.
India's and New Zealand’s Champions Trophy Records
Team | Titles Won | Final Appearances | Last Title Won | Win % in Champions Trophy |
India | 2 | 3 | 2013 | 67% |
New Zealand | 1 | 2 | 2000 | 59% |
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2. India's Unbeaten Run to the Final
India has dominated the tournament, winning all four of its matches. The team has shown balance in both batting and bowling, with key players stepping up when needed.
Road to the Final: Match Results and Key Stats
Match | Opponent | Result | Top Performer |
Group Stage 1 | Bangladesh | India won | Rohit Sharma (41) |
Group Stage 2 | Pakistan | India won | Virat Kohli (100*) |
Group Stage 3 | New Zealand | India won | Varun Chakravarthy (5-42) |
Semi-Final | Australia | India won | Virat Kohli (84) |
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Form in the Tournament
Virat Kohli: 246 runs in four matches, including a century and a match-winning 84.
Rohit Sharma: 97 runs, providing quick starts at the top.
Spin Dominance: India's Key Bowlers
Varun Chakravarthy: 9 wickets in the tournament
Kuldeep Yadav: 7 wickets
Axar Patel & Ravindra Jadeja: Key contributors in middle overs
India’s Strengths in Dubai Conditions
Playing all matches in Dubai has helped them adapt to the pitch better.
Strong spin attack suited for the slow, turning track.
Experienced batting lineup that has handled pressure situations well.
Top Indian Performers in the Tournament
Virat Kohli – 246 runs
Rohit Sharma – Quick starts
Varun Chakravarthy – 9 wickets
Kuldeep Yadav – 7 wickets
Shreyas Iyer – Consistent middle-order runs
3. New Zealand’s Battle for Their Second Trophy
New Zealand has been solid throughout the tournament. They secured a dominant 50-run win over South Africa in the semi-final, thanks to Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson’s brilliant partnership.
How New Zealand Reached the Final
Match | Opponent | Result | Top Performer |
Group Stage 1 | Australia | NZ won | Kane Williamson (87) |
Group Stage 2 | South Africa | NZ won | Rachin Ravindra (68) |
Group Stage 3 | India | NZ lost | Matt Henry (5-42) |
Semi-Final | South Africa | NZ won | Rachin Ravindra (108) |
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson’s Match-Winning Performances
Ravindra’s 108 in the semi-final was the highest individual score of the tournament.
Kane Williamson’s experience helped stabilize the middle order.
Matt Henry’s Injury Concern: Impact on New Zealand’s Bowling
Matt Henry’s status: Doubtful for the final due to a shoulder injury.
Possible replacement: Kyle Jamieson or Lockie Ferguson.
New Zealand’s Winning Record Against India in ICC Events
Tournament | Matches Played | NZ Wins | India Wins | No Result |
ICC Events | 16 | 9 | 6 | 1 |
New Zealand has a better head-to-head record in ICC events, which could give them confidence heading into the final.
4. Key Players Who Could Decide the Final
This final will likely be decided by individual performances from key players on both sides.
India’s Game Changers: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Varun Chakravarthy
Virat Kohli: The highest run-scorer in the tournament so far.
Rohit Sharma: Provides quick starts, which are crucial in high-pressure finals.
Varun Chakravarthy: Has been India's best bowler with a five-wicket haul against New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Match Winners: Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Trent Boult
Kane Williamson: Brings calmness and stability to the batting lineup.
Rachin Ravindra: Has already scored over 200 runs in the tournament.
Trent Boult: Can trouble India’s top order with his swing bowling.
Spin vs Pace: The Crucial Bowling Battle
India will rely on Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy to exploit the turning pitch.
New Zealand will depend on Trent Boult and Tim Southee to make early inroads.
How the Dubai Pitch Will Influence the Playing XI
India might go with four spinners again if the pitch looks dry.
New Zealand could strengthen their batting if Henry is ruled out.
Players with the Best Performance in Past ICC Finals
Player | Team | ICC Final Performance |
Virat Kohli | India | 100* vs Pakistan (2025) |
Kane Williamson | NZ | 85 vs South Africa (2025) |
Trent Boult | NZ | 4-30 vs India (2019 WC) |
Rohit Sharma | India | 90 vs Bangladesh (2017 CT) |
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5. Tactical Strategies for the Final
Both teams will need to play to their strengths and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The strategies for each side will be critical in determining the outcome.
India’s Game Plan
Focus on spin bowling, using Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja to exploit the slow Dubai pitch.
Set aggressive fields to put pressure on New Zealand’s middle order, especially Kane Williamson.
Use Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to provide a fast start in the powerplay and allow the middle order to play with freedom.
Rotate strike against Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the first ten overs to avoid early wickets.
Target New Zealand’s spinners with calculated aggression to ensure a strong total if batting first.
New Zealand’s Strategy to Counter India
Attack India’s top order with Trent Boult and Matt Henry (if fit) to expose the middle order early.
Use spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra to slow down India’s scoring in the middle overs.
Keep an extra pacer if the Dubai pitch shows signs of favoring seam movement under lights.
Utilize Kane Williamson’s experience to guide the chase if batting second.
Place attacking fielders for Kohli and Rohit early on to create pressure.
Key Matchups to Watch
Trent Boult vs Rohit Sharma in the first powerplay
Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner in the middle overs
Rachin Ravindra vs Kuldeep Yadav in a battle of young talent
Varun Chakravarthy vs Kane Williamson in the second innings
6. Playing XI Predictions and Expected Lineups
The final team selection will depend on pitch conditions, fitness, and strategies. Both India and New Zealand have played mostly unchanged lineups in the tournament, but minor changes could be seen.
India’s Predicted Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (c)
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (wk)
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Varun Chakravarthy
Jasprit Bumrah
Possible changes: If the pitch assists pace, Mohammed Siraj may replace Axar Patel.
New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI
Devon Conway
Rachin Ravindra
Kane Williamson (c)
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (wk)
Glenn Phillips
Mitchell Santner
Tim Southee
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson
Matt Henry (if fit) or Kyle Jamieson
Possible changes: If Henry is unfit, Jamieson is likely to take his place.
India vs. New Zealand’s Playing XI Strengths
Aspect | India’s Strength | New Zealand’s Strength |
Batting Depth | Strong middle order with experience | Stable top order with Williamson anchoring |
Fast Bowling | Bumrah’s control and Pandya’s versatility | Boult and Henry’s ability to take early wickets |
Spin Attack | Four specialist spinners suited for Dubai | Santner and Ravindra’s balance in middle overs |
Fielding | Agile unit with strong catching | Consistent and safe fielders |
Experience in Finals | Kohli, Rohit, and Rahul have played multiple finals | Williamson and Boult bring leadership and calmness |
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7. Who Will Win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
With both teams bringing their best, the final is expected to be a thrilling contest. India has dominated the tournament and remains the favorite, but New Zealand’s ability to perform under pressure makes them a dangerous opponent.
Reasons Why India Could Win
Unbeaten run in the tournament with dominant performances.
Kohli and Rohit stepping up in big matches.
A strong spin attack, which has been key in Dubai conditions.
Experience of playing all matches in Dubai, giving them an advantage.
Reasons Why New Zealand Could Upset India
They have historically performed well against India in ICC events.
Kane Williamson’s ability to anchor run chases.
The presence of game-changers like Rachin Ravindra and Trent Boult.
A settled unit with balanced batting and bowling.
Will India Win the ICC Champion Final?
India enters the final as favorites based on form, but New Zealand cannot be underestimated. If India’s top order survives the powerplay and their spinners control the game, they are likely to win. However, if Boult and Southee get early wickets and Williamson controls the chase, New Zealand could pull off a second ICC Champions Trophy victory.
The final will not only decide the winner of the tournament but could also be the last ODI match for Indian legends Kohli and Rohit, making it a must-watch event for cricket fans worldwide.
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Wrap-Up
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cricket matches in recent years. India, with their unbeaten record, strong spin attack, and experienced batting lineup, appears to have the edge. However, New Zealand’s ability to perform under pressure, their balanced squad, and their history of upsetting India in ICC events make them a serious threat. The final is not just about winning a trophy; it could also mark the farewell of two of India's greatest players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, making it a historic moment in cricket. Whether India secures their third Champions Trophy title or New Zealand claims their second, this match will be remembered for years to come.
FAQs on ICC Champions Trophy Final Winner
How many ICC trophies has India won?
India has won a total of five ICC trophies. They have won the ICC Cricket World Cup twice, in 1983 and 2011. The ICC T20 World Cup was won by India in 2007. The team has also secured two ICC Champions Trophy titles, first in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and again in 2013.
Who will win the Champions Trophy in 2025 according to astrology predictions?
Astrologers predict that India, led by Rohit Sharma, will win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The prediction is based on Rohit Sharma’s strong horoscope and karmic alignment, suggesting that he will lead India to another ICC title. However, cricket matches are decided on the field, and New Zealand remains a formidable opponent.
Who is in the final with India?
India will face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. The match is scheduled to take place in Dubai on March 9, 2025. New Zealand reached the final after defeating South Africa in the semi-final, while India secured their spot by beating Australia.
Has Virat Kohli won any ICC trophies?
Virat Kohli has won multiple ICC trophies during his career. He was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. As a captain, he led India to the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 but finished as runners-up.
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When is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?
The final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place on March 9, 2025. The match will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 25,000 spectators.
Why is India playing in Dubai?
India is playing all their matches in Dubai because they refused to travel to Pakistan, the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Due to ongoing political tensions, the Indian government did not allow the team to play in Pakistan, and the ICC approved an alternative venue for India's matches.
How many times has India won against New Zealand in ICC tournaments?
India and New Zealand have faced each other multiple times in ICC events. Out of their meetings, New Zealand has won 9 matches, while India has won 6, with one match ending without a result. This history makes New Zealand a strong competitor in ICC knockout matches.
Who is better, Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni?
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are two of India's greatest cricketers, but their strengths differ. Kohli has more international centuries and is considered one of the best batters in history. Dhoni, on the other hand, has a higher win percentage as an ODI captain and led India to three ICC trophies, including the 2011 World Cup.
How many runs has Virat Kohli scored in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Virat Kohli has scored 217 runs in four innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with only Ben Duckett and Joe Root scoring more runs.
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What is Virat Kohli’s nickname?
Virat Kohli is commonly known as Cheeku, a nickname given to him during his early cricketing days. He is also called King Kohli and Chase Master due to his ability to chase down big targets in limited-overs cricket.
How many centuries has MS Dhoni scored?
MS Dhoni has scored a total of 16 international centuries. He has 10 centuries in One Day Internationals and 6 in Test cricket. He is known more for his finishing abilities and leadership rather than accumulating hundreds.
How many international matches has India lost?
As of January 2025, India has played 589 Test matches, winning 181 and losing 184, with 223 ending in draws. In ODIs, India has played over 1,000 matches, with a win-loss record favoring them.
When was the last India-Pakistan Test match?
The last Test match between India and Pakistan took place in December 2007. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in limited-overs cricket due to political tensions between the two nations.
Who hosted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan was initially the designated host for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, due to security concerns and political tensions, India refused to play in Pakistan. As a result, India’s matches, including the final, were relocated to Dubai.
What are India’s strengths going into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?
India’s strengths include a strong batting lineup with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, a dominant spin attack led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, and an unbeaten run in the tournament, which has boosted their confidence.
How has New Zealand performed in past ICC finals?
New Zealand has reached several ICC finals in recent years. They won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000, reached the ICC Cricket World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, and won the ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
What impact will the Dubai pitch have on the final?
The Dubai pitch has traditionally favored spinners and slower bowlers. Teams batting first have had an advantage in this tournament. India’s spin-heavy attack could prove crucial on this surface, while New Zealand’s pacers might have to adjust their lengths.
Which Indian players have performed the best in ICC finals?
Several Indian players have excelled in ICC finals. MS Dhoni played a match-winning knock in the 2011 World Cup final. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also played key roles in ICC tournament finals, with Kohli scoring a century in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
What happens if the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is a tie?
If the final ends in a tie, a Super Over will be played to determine the winner. If the Super Over also results in a tie, the team with a better net run rate in the tournament may be declared the winner.
Can New Zealand defeat India in the final?
New Zealand has a strong history against India in ICC events. While India is the favorite, New Zealand has a well-balanced team and could win if their top-order fires and their bowlers take early wickets. The final could go either way depending on key performances.
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