It’s time for the Champions Trophy 2025 final. New Zealand will face India in a showdown for the ages.
The Kiwis stormed into the final after dismantling South Africa in the semifinals at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. They outplayed the Proteas in every department, batting, bowling, fielding. Complete domination.
Their road to the final is convincing, with wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh, which secured a semi-final spot. Sure, they lost to India in the group stage. But make no mistake, New Zealand is one of the few teams that can push the tournament favorites to their limits.
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Now, on March 9, at the Dubai International Stadium, history will repeat itself. A rematch of the 2000 Champions Trophy final. India remains unbeaten, but the Kiwis have the tools to pull off an upset. Here’s why:
Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India vs NZ Showdown
1. A Spin Attack Built for Dubai
The pitches in Dubai? A paradise for spinners. And while India has world-class spinners, New Zealand is no slouch in this department either.
- Mitchell Santner – A game-changer. His spell in the semi-final was nothing short of brilliant.
- Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra – They’re More than capable of squeezing India’s batting lineup.
India thrives in spin-friendly conditions, but New Zealand has the weapons to counter them.
2. Valuable Experience Playing in Dubai
Here’s an edge New Zealand has: They have already played at this very venue in the group stage.
Yes, they lost to India by 44 runs. But that experience? Priceless. They now understand the conditions, the pitch behavior, and what adjustments to make.
Add their recent form batting masterclasses in the semis, and suddenly, they look dangerous. With Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra in top gear, New Zealand’s batting lineup won’t be easy to crack.
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3. The Best Fielding Side in the Tournament
Want to win tight matches? Fielding matters. And New Zealand has been on another level.
- Glenn Phillips – Took two absolute stunners.
- Kane Williamson – His reflexes against India in the group stage? Game-changing.
- No weak links – Unlike some teams, the Kiwis don’t leak runs in the field.
Every run saved, every sharp catch it all adds up. And in a final, that can be the difference between lifting the trophy or falling short.
4. Big-Match Temperament
Pressure? The Kiwis eat it for breakfast. They’ve been here before.
- 2019 ODI World Cup final
- 2021 T20 World Cup final
- 2021 World Test Championship final (which they won)
India is a cricketing giant. But New Zealand knows how to handle these moments. They play smart. Stay calm. Execute under pressure.
5. A Perfectly Balanced Squad
- Batting depth: Check.
- Spin department: solid.
And let’s not forget the lower order. They can contribute crucial runs, just like they did against South Africa. If the top order fails, there’s always someone ready to step up.
Also Read: India Women To Play Triangular Series For World Cup Prep
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