Dubai, March 9, 2025 – India have put a stranglehold on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, restricting them to 251/7 in Dubai. The highly anticipated clash sees India, the dominant force throughout the tournament, chasing their second Champions Trophy title against a resilient New Zealand side.
The two teams have already faced off earlier in the tournament, during the group stage in Dubai, where India emerged victorious under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. The Indian bowling attack once again proved its mettle, applying pressure on the Black Caps throughout the innings.
India’s spinners played a crucial role in the middle overs, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav taking two wickets each and tightening the scoring rate to 3.30 runs per over between overs 11 and 30. Despite a late resurgence from New Zealand, who added 50 runs in the last five overs, India’s disciplined bowling attack ensured a manageable target.
New Zealand started aggressively, with Will Young and Rachin Ravindra capitalizing on some missed chances by India. However, Varun Chakaravarthy broke the opening stand by trapping Young lbw in the eighth over. Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Ravindra (37 off 29 balls) and later taking a sharp return catch to send Kane Williamson back for a low score.
Tom Latham was dismissed lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, while Glenn Phillips contributed a useful 34 off 52 balls, including two fours and a six, before being bowled by Varun Chakaravarthy. Daryl Mitchell’s 63 from 101 balls was steady but lacked boundaries, managing only three.
Captain Mitchell Santner was run out in the penultimate over as New Zealand pushed for late runs. Michael Bracewell’s half-century off the final ball of the innings provided a respectable finish, giving New Zealand bowlers a total to defend.
India has dominated the Champions Trophy 2025, remaining unbeaten in the tournament and defeating Australia convincingly in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, despite an earlier loss to India in the group stage, New Zealand has shown remarkable consistency, knocking out South Africa in the semi-final to reach the title decider.
Playing XI:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
With India eyeing another Champions Trophy title and New Zealand determined to create history, the stage is set for a thrilling contest in Dubai. India’s champions have proven their prowess, but will they finish the job and lift the Champions Trophy once again?