One of India’s latest cricket humiliations, besides their 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat against Australia, came in the form of their shocking 3-0 Test series clean sweep by New Zealand at home. The defeat not only broke India’s home Test dominance but also denied them a place in their third straight World Test Championship (WTC) final, adding to the agony of their 2021 WTC defeat to the Kiwis.
Opportunity to Settle Old Scores in ICC Knockout Encounter
Now, India have the ideal platform to turn the tables in the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on March 9. The tournament, which was staged in hybrid format in Pakistan and the UAE, has seen both sides power their way to the title showdown.
India and New Zealand have been two of the best-balanced sides in the tournament. While the Black Caps played the majority of their games in Pakistan, with the exception of their last group-stage match against India, the Men in Blue stayed in Dubai for the entire tournament.
Yet, when it comes to ICC knockout games, New Zealand have been India’s biggest obstacle. The Kiwis have developed a reputation for consistently challenging India on the world stage, and this final offers India a golden chance to deny New Zealand their first white-ball ICC title in over two decades.
New Zealand’s ICC record has been a story of near misses. Their most recent ICC white-ball trophy was in the 2000 Champions Trophy, when they beat India in the final. They have also been runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cups, as well as their nail-biting win against India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final—a bitter loss India are still to avenge. In addition, they eliminated India from the 2021 T20 World Cup Super 12 round, contributing to their history of heartbreaks against India.
New Zealand’s Strength and India’s Determination
Black Caps are going into the final with a team thoroughly familiar with Indian conditions and tactics since most of their players, such as Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner, have gained massive experience through the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their familiarity with Indian cricketers and recent exposure to the conditions of Dubai make them tough to handle.
But India are set to rewrite this history and win ICC honors. The Men in Blue have made their third consecutive ICC final having lost not a single game in the group stages. With a fit squad and an ambition to end their ICC title drought—having won an ODI ICC tournament last in the 2013 Champions Trophy—India are eager to put an end to their wait for honors.
Veterans Eye a Memorable Farewell
This final is most important for Indian greats such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami, who may be playing their last ICC 50-over tournament. A title victory would not just be redemption for previous ICC letdowns but also a proper tribute to these veterans who have been the architects of India’s success over the years.
With the two teams ready for battle, the 2025 Champions Trophy final should be an thrilling spectacle, with India seeking to reinstate their place as ICC champions and gain redemption against long-standing arch-nemesis Pakistan.
