The highly anticipated final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place between India vs New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. With both teams in exceptional form, this final promises to be a high-intensity clash that cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for.
India and New Zealand’s Journey to the Final
India’s Road to the Final
India has been dominant in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a string of strong performances. They faced Australia in the semi-final, delivering a clinical performance to book their spot in the final match.
New Zealand’s Impressive Run
New Zealand, known for their consistency in ICC tournaments, displayed their resilience once again. They defeated South Africa in the second semi-final, led by stellar performances from Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra.
India vs New Zealand: Group Stage Encounter and Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand already faced off in the group stage of the Champions Trophy 2025, where India won convincingly. However, when it comes to ICC knockout matches, New Zealand has had the upper hand, winning two out of three previous encounters.
India vs New Zealand in ICC Knockout Matches
- 2019 ICC World Cup Semi-Final: New Zealand defeated India.
- 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final: New Zealand won the title.
- 2023 ICC ODI World Cup Semi-Final: India emerged victorious.
With the stakes higher than ever, this final match is expected to be a battle of skill, strategy, and mental toughness.
Kane Williamson’s Perspective on the Final
Speaking to The Times of India, New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson acknowledged the challenge of facing India in the Champions Trophy final.
“India has been playing at its best and is an amazing team.” We learned a lot from our last match against them, but the final is a new challenge. The atmosphere will be electric, and we look forward to delivering our best performance.”
He emphasized the need for preparation and adaptability:
“We must concentrate on the positive aspects of each game since they are unique. We will celebrate today but shift our focus to the big game quickly. The team is fully prepared for the upcoming challenge.”
Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand’s Game Changer
One of the biggest revelations of Champions Trophy 2025 has been Rachin Ravindra. He played a match-winning innings of 108 runs in the semi-final against South Africa, establishing himself as a key player in New Zealand’s batting lineup.
Kane Williamson on Rachin Ravindra
Praising the young opener, Kane Williamson said:
“Rachin is a special talent. Batting alongside him has been an amazing experience. He plays for the team and approaches the game with complete freedom, which is his biggest strength.”
With his aggressive batting style and calm temperament, Rachin Ravindra will be a crucial player in the Champions Trophy final.
Key Players to Watch in the Final
Both teams have match-winners who can turn the game at any moment. Some important players to keep an eye on are as follows:
India’s Key Players:
- Virat Kohli – The ultimate big-match player.
- Rohit Sharma – A dynamic leader with a proven track record.
- Shubman Gill – One of India’s most exciting young batters.
- Jasprit Bumrah – A lethal bowler in pressure situations.
- Ravindra Jadeja – His all-round abilities can shift momentum.
New Zealand’s Key Players:
- Kane Williamson – The captain and backbone of the batting order.
- Rachin Ravindra – The explosive opener in top form.
- Trent Boult – A bowler who troubles India’s top order.
- Devon Conway – Consistent and reliable in big matches.
- Mitchell Santner – An all-rounder who provides balance.
Match Details and Venue Analysis
- Match: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
- Teams: India vs New Zealand
- Date: March 9, 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- Pitch Report: The Dubai pitch generally favors batters, but as the match progresses, spinners may come into play. Toss-winning teams might prefer to chase.
What to Expect in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final?
The India vs New Zealand final promises:
A high-scoring contest, given the firepower in both batting lineups.
An exciting battle between pace and spin on a balanced Dubai pitch.
Kane Williamson vs Virat Kohli showdown, a battle of two legends.
Impactful performances from young stars like Rachin Ravindra and Shubman Gill.
Where to Watch the Champions Trophy 2025 Final?
Fans worldwide are eager to watch the ICC Champions Trophy final live. Here are the best ways to follow the match:
- Live Streaming: Available on official ICC broadcasters.
- Live Score Updates: Check ICC’s official website for real-time scores.
- Champions Trophy Final Tickets: Available on official ticketing platforms.
- Match Highlights: Will be uploaded on YouTube and ICC digital platforms after the game.
Final Thoughts
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is more than just a match—it’s a clash of cricketing titans. Will India repeat their group-stage dominance, or will New Zealand continue their knockout-stage brilliance?
Cricket fans around the world eagerly await the answer on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
FAQs
1. When and where is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?
The final will be played on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE.
2. How did India and New Zealand reach the final?
- India defeated Australia in the semi-final.
- New Zealand beat South Africa in the semi-final.
3. What is India’s record vs. New Zealand in ICC knockout matches?
New Zealand leads 2-1 in ICC knockout matches. India won in 2023, while New Zealand won in 2019 and 2021.
4. Who are the key players in the final?
- India: Kohli, Rohit, Gill, Bumrah, Jadeja.
- New Zealand: Williamson, Ravindra, Boult, Conway, Santner.
5. Where to watch the Champions Trophy 2025 final live?
Catch the match live on official ICC broadcasters, sports apps, and streaming platforms. Highlights will be available on YouTube.