The stage is set for an exhilarating finale as India and New Zealand prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have showcased exceptional performances throughout the tournament, setting the scene for a thrilling conclusion.
Match Details:
Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM IST
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Where to Watch:
In India, fans can catch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network and Sports18. For online streaming, the match will be available on JioHotstar.
Probable Playing XIs:
India:
1. Rohit Sharma (c)
2. Shubman Gill
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. KL Rahul (wk)
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Axar Patel
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Varun Chakravarthy
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. Mohammed Shami
New Zealand :
1. Will Young
2. Kane Williamson
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Tom Latham (wk)
5. Daryl Mitchell
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner (c)
9. Matt Henry
10. Kyle Jamieson
11. William O’Rourke
Note: New Zealand’s key pacer, Matt Henry, is under an injury cloud following a shoulder issue in the semi-final against South Africa. His participation will be confirmed after a last-minute fitness test.
Head-to-Head in ICC Events:
India and New Zealand have a storied rivalry in ICC tournaments:
2000 Champions Trophy Final: New Zealand emerged victorious.
2019 ODI World Cup Semi-final: New Zealand won.
2021 World Test Championship Final: New Zealand clinched the title.
2023 ODI World Cup Semi-final: India broke the streak with a win.
Overall, in ODIs, both teams have faced each other 119 times, with India winning 61 matches and New Zealand securing 50 victories.
Match Preview:
India enters the final with an unblemished record in the tournament, showcasing dominance in both batting and bowling departments. The return to form of Virat Kohli and the consistent performances of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have bolstered India’s batting lineup. The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy has been instrumental, especially on the spin-friendly pitches of Dubai.
New Zealand, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, has displayed resilience and tactical acumen. The batting prowess of Kane Williamson and the all-round capabilities of players like Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips make them a formidable opponent. However, the potential absence of Matt Henry could impact their bowling strength.
Pitch and Conditions:
The Dubai pitch has offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. Spinners have found assistance, making them crucial in the middle overs. The weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 29°C, and only a slight chance of rain.
Conclusion:
Both teams have rich histories and have delivered memorable performances in ICC events. With India’s recent form and New Zealand’s knack for rising to the occasion, the final promises to be a captivating contest. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly tuning in to witness who will lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
