Following 14 matches, finally, the stage is set for a mouthwatering clash in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy as India and New Zealand gear up to face off on Sunday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Both sides have earned their spot in the title-deciding match after impressive campaigns, and the huge excitement surrounding the final is palpable. India’s route to final has been highly impressive, entering the final as the only unbeaten team in the tournament.
On their way to final, India beat Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia, emerging as the most successful side in the tournament. Throughout the group stage and knockouts, they have displayed a dominant brand of cricket that has left their opponents in awe. The Indian team has been firing on all cylinders, with exceptional performances from both their batters and bowlers.
Captain Rohit Sharma's leadership has been exemplary, while performances from players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, have been pivotal to India’s flawless run so far. In the bowling department, majorly spin department, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, has been incredibly effective in choking opposition.
New Zealand, on the other hand, have been equally impressive despite facing their own share of challenges. Their only loss in the group stage came against India, a result that served as a stark reminder of the challenge they face in the final. Barring one loss against India, New Zealand have been in scintillating form, with all of their players stepping up with individual performances in times of need.
They bounced back strongly, thumping South Africa in the semi-final to reach the final. During their clash against South Africa, they showed their fighting spirit, with batters and bowlers performing in tandem to ensure team’s entry into the final.
Head to head
Both sides have been involved in 119 matches since 1975. India have maintained the dominance with 61 wins against New Zealand’s 50. Their seven games didn’t produce any result while one game was tied.
IND Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
NZ Probable XI: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke