Dubai: India is just one step away from securing a record third ICC Champions Trophy title as they prepare to face New Zealand in the highly anticipated final in Dubai on Sunday. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has been dominant throughout the tournament, winning all four of their matches convincingly. However, the Black Caps, known for their ability to rise to the occasion, pose a formidable challenge in what will be the first major white-ball final between these two teams in 25 years.
India’s Dominance and Road to the Final
India has been in outstanding form, displaying exceptional batting depth, spin bowling mastery, and precise executionin pressure situations. Having refused to play in host nation Pakistan, India has thrived on the turning pitches of the UAE, with their latest victory being a commanding 44-run win over New Zealand in the group stage.
The 2002 and 2013 Champions Trophy winners have handled high-pressure run chases with ease, thanks to Virat Kohli’s leadership in crucial moments and contributions from top-order batters. Their victories over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Australia have further solidified their credentials as the tournament’s most balanced side.
Although India is aiming for back-to-back ICC titles following their 2024 T20 World Cup win, head coach Gautam Gambhir remains focused on the task ahead.
“We still have one more game to go,” Gambhir told reporters. “The hunger, the commitment, and the eagerness to do something special for the country is always there.”
India’s Strengths – Form and Key Players
One of India’s biggest advantages heading into the final is the red-hot form of key players. Mohammed Shami has seamlessly filled in for the injured Jasprit Bumrah, providing critical breakthroughs with the ball. Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has added depth to the batting lineup.
Rohit Sharma, pleased with the team’s performance, emphasized the importance of form heading into the decider.
“When you play a final, you want all your guys in form. Every player has contributed when given the opportunity, and that gives us confidence.”
New Zealand’s History of Upsetting India in ICC Finals
Despite India’s flawless run, New Zealand cannot be underestimated. The Black Caps have a history of spoiling India’s ICC title hopes, most notably when they defeated them by four wickets in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy final—the predecessor to the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who led his team to victory against India in the 2021 World Test Championship final, believes history can repeat itself.
“That was a long time ago, but it was a great moment for our country,” Williamson said. “This is a new challenge, and we are excited for the opportunity ahead.”
The Black Caps enter the final brimming with confidence after demolishing South Africa in the semi-finals, posting the highest total in Champions Trophy history (362-6). Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson were instrumental, both scoring centuries to guide their side to victory.
Pitch and Conditions: A Tactical Battle Awaits
Playing all their games in Dubai, India will have an advantage in terms of familiarity with the conditions. However, Williamson remains optimistic.
“Finals are different, anything can happen. The crowd and atmosphere will be electric,” he said.
One key factor will be how both teams handle spin. India successfully neutralized New Zealand’s batting lineup in their last meeting by deploying a four-pronged spin attack. The Black Caps, however, boast their own talented spin unit featuring Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, all of whom will look to exploit the sluggish Dubai surface.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be sweating over the fitness of pace bowler Matt Henry, who suffered a shoulder injury against South Africa.
New Zealand Ready to Fight Till the End
Despite India’s overwhelming dominance, Santner believes his team is ready for the challenge.
“The surface will dictate a lot of how we play. It might be slower, so it could be a real scrap. But we’re ready to fight,”Santner said.
With India aiming to surpass Australia’s two Champions Trophy titles (2006 and 2009) and New Zealand hoping to secure their first since 2000, Sunday’s final promises to be a high-stakes clash between two world-class teams.
Champions Trophy Final: Match Details
📅 Date: Sunday, March 10, 2025
📍 Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
🕒 Time: 2:30 PM GMT / 8:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM EST
📺 Live Streaming: Star Sports, JioHotstar (India), Sky Sports (UK), ESPN+ (USA)
