On March 9, 2025, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will witness a thrilling finale as India and New Zealand clash in the ICC Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match is set to commence at 2:30 PM IST, with live coverage available on Star Sports and streaming on JioHotstar.
India enters the final with an unblemished record, having dominated the tournament under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma. Their journey to the final has been marked by comprehensive victories, including a notable win against Australia in the semifinals. Key players like Virat Kohli have been instrumental, with Kohli standing just 45 runs away from surpassing Chris Gayle as the highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history.
New Zealand, led by captain Mitchell Santner, has showcased resilience and tactical acumen throughout the tournament. Their path to the final included a hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semifinals. The Kiwis' spin attack, featuring bowlers like Mitchell Santner, has been particularly effective, amassing 17 wickets in the tournament.
In their previous encounter during the group stages, India emerged victorious over New Zealand, leveraging their potent spin bowling attack. The Indian spinners have collectively taken 21 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025, underscoring their dominance.
Both teams are expected to field their strongest line-ups for the final. India's probable XI includes:
- Rohit Sharma (captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand's probable XI comprises:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Kyle Jamieson
- Matt Henry (subject to fitness)
- Will O'Rourke
The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is anticipated to favor spinners, a factor both teams are likely to exploit. India's spin quartet has been particularly effective, and New Zealand's strategy will need to account for this threat.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits this high-stakes encounter, fans can expect a match filled with strategic brilliance, individual performances, and the indomitable spirit of competition that defines the sport. Whether you're supporting the Men in Blue or the Black Caps, this final promises to be a spectacle worthy of the grand stage.
For more insights and updates on the Champions Trophy final, visit the official ICC website and ESPN's match preview.