The grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on March 9 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, reigniting an old rivalry between India and New Zealand. Cricket fans are in for a thrilling contest as these two cricketing giants meet in a title clash after 25 years.
A Rematch of the 2000 Champions Trophy Final
The last time India and New Zealand met in a Champions Trophy final was back in 2000 at Nairobi Gymkhana Ground. In that match, Stephen Fleming’s New Zealand outplayed Sourav Ganguly’s India, clinching their first and only Champions Trophy title. Now, a quarter-century later, India, led by Rohit Sharma, has a golden opportunity to rewrite history, while New Zealand, under Mitchell Santner’s leadership, aims for their second title.
India Eyes a Third ICC Champions Trophy Title
India has lifted the Champions Trophy twice in the past:
- 2002 (Joint Winners with Sri Lanka)
- 2013 (Under MS Dhoni, defeating England in the final)
A victory in 2025 will make India the third team (after Australia and South Africa) to win the prestigious tournament thrice. Rohit Sharma and his men will be eager to claim their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy without sharing it.
New Zealand’s Quest for a Second Championship
New Zealand, on the other hand, remains one of the most consistent teams in ICC events. Their first and only Champions Trophy triumph came in 2000, and now, after 25 years, they have a shot at reclaiming the title. Having defeated India in multiple ICC knockout games—including the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final—the Kiwis will be confident going into this match.
Who Will Lift the Trophy?
With both teams in top form, this final is expected to be a high-stakes thriller. Will India avenge their 2000 defeat and secure their third Champions Trophy, or will New Zealand continue their dominance over India in ICC knockout matches? The countdown to the epic clash begins!
