IND vs NZ Final 2025 | India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 Final – Match Preview, Weather, Pitch & Winning Prediction

Historic Clash as India and New Zealand Battle for Champions Trophy Glory

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to witness an epic showdown as India and New Zealand battle it out for the prestigious title at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. Both teams have been in stellar form throughout the tournament, and with history on the line, expect a thrilling contest between two of the most consistent sides in world cricket.

A Clash of the Titans – India vs New Zealand

India became the first team to qualify for the final after a hard-fought victory against Australia in the semi-finals. The Men in Blue made history by reaching their third consecutive Champions Trophy final, a feat never achieved before. Meanwhile, New Zealand put on a clinical display against South Africa, registering a dominant 50-run win powered by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.

On paper, both teams boast balanced squads with match-winners in all departments. While India has been dominant with both bat and ball, the Black Caps have matched them every step of the way, setting up a high-stakes encounter in Dubai.

New Zealand’s Dominance Over India in ICC Knockouts

When it comes to ICC knockout matches, New Zealand holds a psychological edge over India. The Black Caps have defeated India in three out of four ICC knockout encounters, including the 2000 Champions Trophy final, the 2019 World Cup semi-final, and the 2021 World Test Championship final.

India vs New Zealand – ICC Knockout Record

• Matches Played: 4

• India Wins: 1

• New Zealand Wins: 3

India’s only knockout win against New Zealand came in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, where Virat Kohli’s century and Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul led them to victory. However, New Zealand will take confidence from their past triumphs and look to replicate their success on Sunday.

Key Players to Watch

India

• Rohit Sharma: The Indian captain has been in fine form, providing strong starts at the top.

• Shubman Gill: One of the brightest young talents, Gill has been instrumental in India's batting lineup.

• Virat Kohli: Back to form and performing while team needed, espcailly in chasing the targets.

• Mohammed Shami: The leader of India’s pace attack, Shami’s ability to strike early will be crucial.

• Ravindra Jadeja: A key all-rounder, his spin and lower-order batting could make a big difference.

New Zealand

• Kane Williamson: The experienced leader played a match-winning knock in the semi-final and will be key to New Zealand’s success.

• Rachin Ravindra: The young sensation has been one of the top performers in the tournament.

• Mitchell Santner: His all-round abilities, especially with the ball, could trouble the Indian batting lineup.

• Matt Henry: The Right-arm pacer has a history of troubling India in ICC tournaments.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

Dubai has traditionally favored balanced contests between bat and ball. The pitch is expected to be on the slower side, assisting spinners as the match progresses. With dew likely to play a role, teams winning the toss might opt to chase.

The weather in Dubai is expected to be clear, ensuring an uninterrupted final. The dry conditions could make batting slightly challenging in the second innings, making a strong start crucial for both teams.

Match Prediction and Winning Probability

Both teams are evenly matched, but India enters the final as slight favorites due to their recent dominance in white-ball cricket. However, New Zealand’s ability to step up in knockout games makes them a formidable opponent.

Winning Probability:

• India – 55%

• New Zealand – 45%

If India’s top order fires and their bowlers execute their plans, they will have the upper hand. However, if Williamson and Ravindra produce another masterclass, the Black Caps could cause an upset.

Will History Repeat

This final brings back memories of the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy, where New Zealand defeated India to lift their first ICC title. Now, 25 years later, both teams meet again in a Champions Trophy final. Can India break the jinx and claim the title, or will New Zealand once again emerge victorious?

Interesting Facts Ahead of the Final

• India is the only team to reach three consecutive Champions Trophy finals (2013, 2017, 2025).

• New Zealand won their last ICC white-ball tournament final against India in 2000.

• Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson's 362-run total against South Africa was the highest in Champions Trophy history.

• Dubai’s pitch has produced more successful chases than defenses in night matches this year.

Final Thoughts

As the countdown begins for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, cricket fans are in for a thrilling battle between two of the world’s best teams. India will be keen to end their ICC knockout woes against New Zealand, while the Black Caps will look to extend their dominance in high-pressure encounters.