The highly anticipated final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this showdown between two of the most consistent teams in ICC tournaments—India and New Zealand.
As both teams gear up for the title clash, the weather in Dubai is expected to remain clear and warm. According to AccuWeather, Sunday’s forecast for Dubai indicates plenty of sunshine with scattered clouds, making for ideal cricketing conditions. The maximum temperature is predicted to be around 32°C, with no chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted final.
India and New Zealand have both dominated the tournament, showcasing remarkable performances in the semifinals. India, led by Rohit Sharma, delivered a stunning victory over Australia, while New Zealand overcame South Africa in an equally impressive manner. Now, the stage is set for a thrilling battle as these two powerhouses fight for the coveted ICC Champions Trophy.
India’s batting lineup has been exceptional throughout the tournament. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have provided strong starts, while Virat Kohli remains the backbone of the batting order. Kohli, known for his ability to perform under pressure, is on the verge of becoming the highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history. The middle order, featuring Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, has consistently stepped up, ensuring India remains a dominant force.
India’s bowling attack has also played a crucial role in their journey to the final. Mohammed Shami has led the pace attack with precision, while the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja has kept opposition batters in check. Jadeja, India’s highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history, will be a key factor in the final.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has been a formidable opponent in ICC events. Rachin Ravindra has been in stellar form with the bat, while Kane Williamson continues to anchor the team’s batting. Skipper Mitchell Santner has impressed with his leadership and all-round contributions, playing a pivotal role in both batting and bowling.
The Blackcaps’ bowling unit has been equally threatening, with Matt Henry topping the wicket charts and young pacer Will O’Rourke providing excellent support. Santner’s spin will also be crucial in countering India’s strong batting lineup. With two ICC titles already in their history—the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship—New Zealand will look to claim a third, once again at India’s expense.
The final will be played on the same Dubai pitch that hosted the India-Pakistan clash earlier in the tournament. The surface is expected to be slow, making big hitting difficult. Instead of a high-scoring affair, fans should expect a tactical contest where strike rotation and calculated shot-making will be key. India will rely on spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Jadeja, while New Zealand will count on their spin trio, spearheaded by Santner, to exploit the conditions.
India holds a slight advantage, having played all their matches in Dubai, which gives them familiarity with the conditions. Meanwhile, New Zealand has faced travel fatigue, which could impact their performance. In their last meeting during the league stage, India secured a low-scoring victory in Dubai, further boosting their confidence ahead of the final. However, history favors the Blackcaps, who have twice defeated India in ICC finals.
Will India finally break the jinx and reclaim the ICC Champions Trophy? Or will New Zealand once again stand in their way? The world is watching as India and New Zealand prepare for an epic battle. Cricket fans, brace yourselves for a Sunday filled with electrifying action, unforgettable moments, and an intense fight for glory.