India and New Zealand are set to clash for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title at the Dubai International Stadium this Sunday, March 9, 2025, with the match starting at 2:30 PM IST. India, showcasing excellent form throughout the tournament, is aiming for its third consecutive title, whereas New Zealand is pursuing their first ever Championship trophy.
Both teams have made it through to this final after dominant performances. India topped Group A, winning all three of their matches. Their stunning semi-final performance saw them triumph over Australia by 4 wickets, with notable contributions from star batsman Virat Kohli, who scored 84 runs, and bowler Mohammad Shami, who secured three wickets. India’s success can be attributed to their consistent batting and aggressive bowling strategies.
New Zealand also displayed impressive skills, securing their position as the second team out of Group A with two wins out of three matches. Their semi-final against South Africa was nothing short of exhilarating, concluding with New Zealand winning by 50 runs. Key player Rachin Ravindra stole the spotlight, scoring 108 runs, complemented by Kane Williamson’s solid 102 runs.
The head-to-head statistics reveal India’s edge, having emerged victorious 61 times out of 119 encounters, compared to New Zealand's 50 wins. With this historical backdrop, fans are eager to see whether New Zealand can rise to the occasion and overcome their past challenges against India.
The match will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where pitch conditions are likely to favor both pace and spin. The weather is forecasted to be pleasant, with temperatures around 28°C and scattered clouds enhancing the playing conditions. The average first innings score hovers around 236, making it imperative for teams to post the scoreboard advantage.
Here’s how the predicted playing elevens stack up: India’s lineup includes key players such as:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (Wicket-keeper)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammad Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand's probable eleven features:
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson (Captain)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (Wicket-keeper)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Will O’Rourke
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts are drawn to picks like Kohli, who has been instrumental with 217 runs across the tournament, and Ravindra, who, on the back of his 108 runs against South Africa, is expected to shine on the grand stage. Kohli's consistency places him as the captain of many fantasy teams, whereas Ravindra’s dual capabilities of batting and bowling make him a top pick.
“It's all about showing up on the big stage when it matters the most. There’s immense pressure, but it’s also what we live for as players,” Kohli expressed, highlighting the psychological battleground of final matches.
With New Zealand’s players like Williamson and Ravindra stepping up during the tournament, this final could witness some fiercely competitive cricket. New Zealand's supporters are hopeful for their first ICC Champions Trophy title, especially after falling short in previous finals.
Prediction analyses suggest India may dominate this final, expecting them to score between 260-270 runs if batting first, with New Zealand anticipated to range between 240-250. The match outcome might hinge on early wickets, as both teams understand the impact of setting or chasing down formidable scores.
Match Winner Prediction: India leads the charts based on their recent form, making them the clear favorite to clinch victory this Sunday. The key players to watch will undoubtedly be Rohit Sharma and the ever-reliable Virat Kohli for India, and Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson for New Zealand.
This highly anticipated match will be broadcast live on Star Sports and available for streaming on Jio Hotstar, allowing fans globally to catch every explosive moment of what promises to be an epic showdown.
With rich traditions and fierce determination on both sides, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to offer unforgettable drama and outstanding performances. Cricket fans can expect nothing less than high-octane action as India and New Zealand vie for cricketing glory.