The highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This decisive clash will determine the winner of the prestigious ICC tournament and promises to be an electrifying contest between two teams known for their thrilling encounters, particularly in ICC events.
Table of Contents
India vs New Zealand: Preview
Everyone knows how this is going to unfold.
India will rely on their spinners, who at times have made scoring runs in cricket seem almost impossible. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy certainly have that effect. One moment, they send down a seemingly harmless white ball; the next, a batter at the other end is reduced to a mere statistic, clueless about what just happened.
And then there are the left-arm orthodox spinners. One of them doesn’t even follow convention. Axar Patel is meant to turn the ball—but does he? He gives it a proper rip, runs in with purpose, yet the ball has a mind of its own. Instead of turning, it just hones in on the stumps like it has a personal vendetta.
India’s four spinners have claimed 21 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025—more than the combined tally of the other three World Cup-winning teams in the tournament.
Dubai has been an ideal battleground, though it’s also proving to be a bit of an asterisk. Rohit Sharma and his team have had one fewer challenge to contend with than their opponents—travel—which undeniably tilts the playing field in their favor. However, it wouldn’t be fair to blame them for it. The players didn’t ask for this advantage; they’re simply making the most of what’s been handed to them. Cricket, after all, can’t fix the circumstances that have led to this tournament—and possibly future ones—being split between two countries. So, it has done the next best thing: put on a spectacle and cash in.
Just before the Indian team’s net session under lights at the ICC Academy in Dubai, Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir were spotted deep in discussion. It’s safe to assume they weren’t planning a joint family vacation after Sunday’s Champions Trophy final. So, what were they deliberating? A few key names likely dominated their conversation ahead of the showdown against New Zealand—Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and most notably, Rachin Ravindra.
Let’s start with the last one. The 25-year-old all-rounder has been making waves in world cricket, leaving many to wonder what he might accomplish in the next decade. In just 18 months, he has notched up five ODI centuries in ICC events—a staggering feat. To put that into perspective, New Zealand’s legendary Kane Williamson has only two. India’s priority will be to dismiss Ravindra early, just as they did in their previous encounter, before he settles in and dictates terms. His form is ominous—he’s coming off a match-winning century against South Africa in the semifinal.
Then there’s Henry. The mere sight of him is enough to evoke memories of that fateful July morning in Manchester in 2019, when he tore through India’s top order, turning the grey skies outside into a storm of despair inside the dressing room. India must ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Henry’s ability to strike early—both in that World Cup and in their recent league game—makes him a serious threat. Rohit and Shubman Gill will need to be at their best to counter him.
There have been whispers of an injury concern for Henry. Should India be worried? That’s an easy guess.
With no dew expected at night, the toss is unlikely to play a decisive role. However, New Zealand’s think tank is reportedly considering batting first if given the option, primarily to negate Varun Chakravarthy’s spin threat. For India, the toss won’t be a make-or-break factor—they are equally comfortable setting a target or chasing one.
On paper, India are the stronger side. Yet, history tells a different story. More often than not, India have been the superior team in ICC encounters against New Zealand, only to falter when it matters most. The challenge for Rohit Sharma’s men will be to break that pattern and ensure they don’t let another opportunity slip away on the big stage.
Perhaps New Zealand’s presence in the final is fate’s way of restoring balance. Their spinners have been nearly as lethal as India’s, taking 17 wickets, and history is on their side—they’ve had the upper hand in four of the last eight ICC tournaments. They boast a current Fab Four member in top form and a rising star fresh off a century. Moreover, eight of their XI from this Champions Trophy were part of the Test squad that swept India 3-0 on their own turf.
Kane Williamson, much like fine wine, is only improving with time. Freed from the pressures of captaincy, he is playing with a renewed sense of confidence and freedom. His presence at the crease will be a major concern for India, making it crucial to remove him early—be it through pace or spin. Just like Rachin Ravindra, Williamson heads into the final on the back of a superb century in the semifinal.
Another key threat is Mitchell Santner, the unassuming yet astute captain who operates under the radar but exerts immense control with the ball. His battle with Virat Kohli will be particularly intriguing, given Kohli’s occasional struggles against high-quality spin.
New Zealand’s fielding could also be a decisive factor. Every player in their lineup excels in this department, making it a direct contest between India’s batsmen and the Kiwis’ sharp fielding unit. With their anticipation, athleticism, and meticulous preparation, they are capable of turning half-chances into match-defining moments. Few teams in world cricket can claim to win games purely through fielding, but New Zealand is one of them. That edge could very well shape the outcome of the final.
These two teams really should stop running into each other. But lucky for us—and maybe for the ICC too—they won’t.
India vs New Zealand: Head-to-head
- Total Matches Played: 119
- India Won: 61
- New Zealand Won: 50
- Tied Matches: 1
- No Result Matches: 7
- First-ever Fixture: 14 June 1975
- Most-recent Fixture: 2 March 2025
India vs New Zealand: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
A new pitch was provided for the semifinal in Dubai, and while it was slightly more favorable for batting, it remained far from easy. Both sides will look to slow things down with variations, prioritizing setting a target—not only due to the knockout nature of the match but also because, without dew, the surface will deteriorate, making scoring increasingly difficult.
It promises to be a closely fought battle between two evenly matched teams, even if one boasts more star power. The toss isn’t expected to be a game-changer, and India will be comfortable batting first or chasing. A high-scoring encounter seems unlikely.
India vs New Zealand Recent Form
India: WWWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand: WLWWW
India vs New Zealand: Team News and Predicted XI
India – Team News
India have already defeated New Zealand in Dubai, a match that helped them finalize their ideal combination for the conditions. The inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy added variety in the middle overs, making it unlikely that they will make any changes. With Hardik Pandya effectively sharing the new-ball duties, India have recently opted for a setup featuring two pacers and four spinners, with Varun as the additional spin option. Given how well this balance has worked in Dubai, they may prefer to stick with it.
However, there could be a consideration to replace Kuldeep Yadav, who hasn’t been at his best in the last two games, with an extra fast bowler—either Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh. That said, Rohit Sharma tends to back his proven match-winners, so a change remains uncertain.
India – Predicted XI
- Rohit Sharma (capt)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand – Team News
Matt Henry’s availability had been a concern after he injured his right shoulder while fielding in the semifinal. However, in a positive development for New Zealand, he bowled and fielded during their training session on the eve of the final, indicating he is likely to be fit. Given his past success against India, his presence would be a significant boost.
Like India, New Zealand might stick with the same XI that secured their semifinal win, meaning Devon Conway is expected to remain on the bench. Their spin attack—Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra—is well-suited to the conditions in Dubai.
If Henry faces any late setbacks, Nathan Smith or Jacob Duffy could step in. There may also be a case for Conway’s inclusion to counter India’s mix of left-arm orthodox, wrist spin, and mystery spin, but considering Will Young’s form and his performances in India, he is likely to retain his place.
New Zealand – Predicted XI
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Tom Latham(wk)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner(c)
- Kyle Jamieson
- William ORourke
- Matt Henry/Nathan Smith
India vs New Zealand: Players To Watch Out For
Shubman Gill (India)
Shubman Gill’s double-century against New Zealand was a testament to his immense potential in one-day cricket. His effortless stroke play, composure under pressure, and ability to anchor an innings despite losing partners set him apart. At just 23, he displayed remarkable maturity, far beyond his years.
Now, only two years later, Gill stands on the brink of shaping an ICC event—a fitting progression given the rapid strides he has made in ODI cricket.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
New Zealand are set to feature in their sixth ICC men’s final, with Kane Williamson playing his fifth. But how many more does he have left? He has watched Steven Smith bid farewell to ODIs and Joe Root step away from the Champions Trophy. Soon, he’ll see Virat Kohli make his exit too, but only one of them will leave with a trophy.
If Williamson wins, will he step away on a high, just as Kohli did from T20Is? And if he falls short, does he have the drive to push on for another shot at glory?
India vs New Zealand: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: India win the toss and opt to bat first
- Powerplay Score: 60-75
- India Total: 270-280
- Match Result: India win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first
- Powerplay Score: 65-80
- New Zealand Total: 275-285
- Match Result: New Zealand win the match
When and Where To Watch Champions Trophy 2025 Final LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Final between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The match will commence at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss set for 2:00 PM. Fans can watch the live broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
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FAQs
How many times have India and New Zealand faced each other in ODIs?
India and New Zealand have played 119 ODIs, with India winning 61, New Zealand securing 50 victories, one match ending in a tie, and seven having no result.
What is the latest update on Matt Henry’s injury?
Matt Henry injured his shoulder during the semifinal but participated in New Zealand’s training session, indicating he is likely to play. However, if there is any late concern, Nathan Smith or Jacob Duffy could step in.
Will India make changes to their playing XI for the final?
India are expected to retain their winning combination, but there might be a temptation to replace Kuldeep Yadav, who has struggled recently, with an extra pacer like Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh.
How important is the toss in the final?
The toss may not be a deciding factor, but both teams could prefer batting first as the pitch is expected to slow down, making run-scoring harder in the second innings.
Could this be Kane Williamson’s last ICC final?
With several senior players like Steven Smith and Joe Root moving on, questions remain about Williamson’s future. A title win could be the perfect farewell, but if New Zealand falls short, he may continue chasing another ICC trophy.
