The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to take place today, March 9 (Sunday), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Two cricketing giants—India and New Zealand—will battle it out for the prestigious title in what promises to be an electrifying contest. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first, giving his team the opportunity to set a formidable total. On the other hand, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma continues his trend of losing tosses, but this also means India gets the chance to bowl first and put pressure on the Kiwis early in the game.
A Familiar Rivalry in the Tournament
Interestingly, these two teams have already clashed in the group stage of this tournament, where India registered a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand. However, history presents a worrying trend for India. In the last 10 years of ICC ODI tournaments, there have been two instances where India defeated a team in the league stage but lost to the same opponent in the final.
Will history repeat itself, or will India overcome this pattern to claim their third Champions Trophy title? The stakes are high, and both teams are eager to lift the trophy.
Playing XIs for the Grand Finale
India’s Playing XI: 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’s Playing XI: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke
Can India Overcome Their ICC Final Jinx?
India has a golden opportunity to break the ICC final jinx and secure another global title under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. However, New Zealand has historically troubled India in knockout matches, including the 2019 World Cup semifinal and the 2021 World Test Championship final.
With a well-balanced team, India will be hoping to turn the tide and clinch their third Champions Trophy title. Will they succeed, or will the Kiwis prove to be India’s ultimate hurdle once again? The grand finale is set, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome!
India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
