Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Team India the Hot Favorite, New Zealand Eyes 2009 Repeat

India vs. New Zealand – A High-Stakes Clash in Dubai

Team India is set to take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, aiming to end a 12-year wait for an ICC ODI trophy. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India has dominated the tournament, winning all its matches and establishing itself as the favorite to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, New Zealand hopes to recreate its 2009 Champions Trophy final triumph against India.

Match Timing & Venue

Back in 2009, when the tournament was known as the ICC Knockout Trophy, New Zealand defeated India in the final. The much-anticipated final will take place in Dubai today, starting at 2:30 PM IST. India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013, making this a golden opportunity to reclaim the title.

India Aims for Consecutive ICC Titles

After securing the T20 World Cup, India is on the verge of making history by winning back-to-back ICC tournaments. With a powerful batting lineup featuring Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, alongside all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, India has a well-balanced team. The lethal bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja, further strengthens their chances of victory.

New Zealand’s Key Players

New Zealand will rely on its batting mainstays—Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham—to put up a strong fight. The all-round capabilities of Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, combined with the bowling prowess of Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, and Matt Henry (if fit), could pose a significant challenge to India. However, India has already defeated New Zealand at this very venue during the group stage, giving them an edge.

The Stage is Set for a Rohit Sharma Masterclass

This match could mark Rohit Sharma’s final ODI appearance, making it a perfect stage for a memorable farewell. The Indian skipper, known for his explosive batting, has had a modest tournament so far. However, he previously scored a century against England in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, and fans will be hoping for another spectacular performance in the final.

Prize Money for Champions and Runners-up

The ICC has announced a prize pool of approximately ₹20 crore ($2.24 million) for the Champions Trophy winners, while the runners-up will receive ₹10 crore ($1.12 million).

Key Battles to Watch

Gill-Kohli vs. Santner-Jamieson

India’s batting duo of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli will face a stern test against New Zealand’s bowling attack, particularly Mitchell Santner and Kyle Jamieson. Kohli has been in superb form, amassing 217 runs in the tournament, including a century and a half-century. Gill, too, has impressed with a century and a total of 157 runs, while Shreyas Iyer has contributed 195 runs with two half-centuries. On the bowling front, Santner has taken seven wickets, Jamieson has two, and if Matt Henry plays, India could face a tough challenge, as he is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 dismissals.

Indian Spinners vs. Williamson-Mitchell

New Zealand’s batting will be tested against India’s formidable spin attack. The trio of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, along with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, will look to trouble the Kiwi batters. Chakravarthy has claimed seven wickets in the tournament, Axar and Kuldeep have taken five each, and Jadeja has secured four. Kane Williamson, who has scored 189 runs, including a century and a half-century, along with Daryl Mitchell, who has 76 runs to his name, will be crucial for New Zealand.

Hardik-Axar vs. Rachin-Phillips

India’s all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have played a significant role in the tournament and will once again be key in both batting and bowling. Axar has contributed 80 runs and taken five wickets, while Hardik has 81 runs and four wickets. Their performances could determine the match’s outcome. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips will be equally important for their side. Ravindra has been exceptional, scoring 226 runs, including two centuries, and taking two wickets. Phillips has added 143 runs and claimed two wickets.

Shami Could Trouble New Zealand Again

Mohammed Shami, known for his lethal bowling, has made a strong comeback from injury, taking eight wickets in the tournament so far. In the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal, he demolished New Zealand with figures of 7/57, leading India to victory. Fans will be hoping for a repeat performance in today’s final.

Probable Playing XIs

India:

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy.

New Zealand:

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry/Ben Duffy, William O’Rourke.

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