New Zealand and India have had a fantastic journey to the Champions Trophy final, which was marked by impressive performances and emerging challenges. In the semi-final against South Africa, they posted a formidable total of 362 for 6, highlighted by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Despite this commanding score, South Africa reached 312 for 9, narrowing the victory margin to 50 runs. This outcome underscores New Zealand’s batting strength and raises concerns about their bowling effectiveness in containing high-scoring opponents.
Adding to their concerns, frontline pacer Matt Henry, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 dismissals, sustained a shoulder injury during the semi-final. His availability for the final remains uncertain, posing a potential setback for New Zealand’s pace attack, like their performance in Group Stage against India.
In light of Henry’s possible absence, the onus falls on captain Mitchell Santner to spearhead the bowling unit. Santner has been exceptional throughout the tournament, leading the spin attack with remarkable economy and effectiveness. His leadership and bowling prowess will be crucial in the final, especially against a strong Indian batting lineup.
New Zealand and India Dominate ICC Events
India and New Zealand have solidified their status as ICC tournament juggernauts since 2011. India’s white-ball record boasts 70 wins out of 86 matches, unmatched globally. New Zealand ranks among the elite with 45 victories in 77 games. Australia trails with 49 wins, while South Africa matches New Zealand’s tally. Both teams consistently outperform in high-stakes events, reaching knockouts regularly.
India has made 12 knockout appearances, missing only two T20 World Cups. New Zealand follows with eight, including a World Test Championship win. Their dominance stems from exceptional players and strategic brilliance.
Star Players Lead India’s Success
India’s squad boasts several match-winners, but none bigger than Kohli and Rohit. Virat Kohli has won three Player-of-the-Tournament awards in ICC events. He earned these in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups and the 2023 ODI World Cup. His 765 runs in 2023 remain the highest by any batter in a single edition. He ended his T20I career as the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cups. Kohli is 45 runs behind Chris Gayle for the most in Champions Trophy history.
Rohit Sharma has seven ODI World Cup centuries, the most by any batter. Five of them came in 2019, a record for a single edition. In T20 World Cups, he holds the Indian record for most sixes (50).
Ravindra Jadeja is India’s top wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history with 20 scalps. He won the Golden Ball and Player-of-the-Match in the 2013 final. Rohit Sharma’s seven ODI World Cup hundreds surpass all other batters. Five of those came in 2019, a single-edition record for any player. In the T20 World Cups, his 50 sixes powered India’s aggressive batting approach. Together, they anchor India’s success with unmatched consistency.
Mohammed Shami dominated in the last ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets mid-tournament. This remains the highest by an Indian in a single edition.
Kane Williamson and Mohammed Shami Shine
Kane Williamson’s elegance and leadership make him the cornerstone of New Zealand’s ICC event. He tops their run charts in ODI World Cups, T20 World Cups, and Champions Trophy. His standout 2019 World Cup performance led New Zealand to the final. Williamson’s captaincy clinched the 2021 World Test Championship against India.
Mohammed Shami’s late entry in the 2023 ODI World Cup proved game-changing. He claimed 24 wickets, the most by an Indian in one edition. His precision and pace dismantled batting lineups in critical knockout games. Both players elevate their teams to championship contention.
New Zealand’s Resilience Shines Through Bowling
New Zealand’s knack for thriving under pressure defines its ICC event success. They’ve reached knockouts eight times since 2011, including four semi-finals. Williamson’s steady hand guided them to the 2015 ODI World Cup final unbeaten. His leadership also secured the 2021 World Test Championship triumph. Mitchell Santner’s bowling complements this, with ten wickets in the 2016 T20 World Cup.
He’s taken seven wickets at 4.85 economy in the current Champions Trophy. Matt Henry’s 3 for 37 in the 2019 semi-final was pivotal. This resilience keeps New Zealand competitive against cricket’s giants.
Kohli’s Every Move Scrutinized, But His Battle Against Legspin Stands Out
Virat Kohli has lived a life constantly under the media’s microscope. Every action sparks endless discussions, from a simple sneeze to a training session. Yet, despite this constant attention, some moments remain hidden from public view.
Ahead of India’s Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, Kohli arrived early at the ICC Academy nets. He practised in near isolation, away from cameras and fans, focusing on his game. While details of his session remain unclear, his recent struggles against leg spin are well-documented.
Since early 2024, Kohli has fallen to leg spin five times in six ODI innings. His strike rate against wrist spinners has dropped to 48.64, an unusual statistic for a batter of his calibre. On South Asian pitches, where wrist spinners thrive, Kohli’s approach will be crucial. With the world watching, can he overcome this unexpected challenge and again prove his dominance?
India vs New Zealand: A Final Showdown Years in the Making
India and New Zealand are set for an epic Champions Trophy 2025 final. Both teams have dominated the tournament, overcoming strong opponents in the semi-finals. New Zealand outclassed South Africa, while India defeated Australia in a high-stakes battle. History sets the stage for a thrilling contest between these cricketing giants.
A Rivalry Etched in ICC Knockout Battles
India and New Zealand share a dramatic history in ICC tournaments. Their knockout battles have been some of the most intense in modern cricket. The scars of 2019 and the triumph of 2023 will weigh heavily on both teams.
In the 2019 World Cup semi-final, New Zealand shattered India’s dreams. On a tricky Manchester pitch, they defended 239 against a star-studded Indian lineup. India’s top order collapsed, and despite Ravindra Jadeja’s heroics, New Zealand secured a stunning victory. That loss remains one of India’s most painful World Cup exits.
Four years later, India sought revenge at Wankhede in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final. With Virat Kohli’s record-breaking century and Mohammed Shami’s devastating spell, India overwhelmed New Zealand. This time, the Black Caps struggled to chase a massive total. India stormed into the final and lifted the trophy, ending a decade-long ICC title drought.
A Clash of Strengths and Strategies
Both teams enter the final with their strengths and vulnerabilities. India boasts a deep batting lineup led by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. Their bowling attack, with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, remains lethal in crunch moments. India beat Australia in the semi-final and looked to dominate in all aspects of the game.
New Zealand, however, thrives in high-pressure ICC games. Kane Williamson’s tactical brilliance, combined with their disciplined bowling attack, makes them dangerous. With Matt Henry in doubt due to injury, Mitchell Santner’s role in controlling India’s batters will be crucial. They looked dominating in their batting, and New Zealand batters posted a massive total against South Africa to rule them out of the CT 2025 Final.
Who Will Write the Final Chapter?
With history favouring both sides in different moments, this final is unpredictable. Will New Zealand repeat their 2019 heartbreak against India? Or will India continue their redemption story from 2023?
One thing is sure—the Champions Trophy 2025 final will be an unforgettable showdown. The cricketing world waits for a battle that could redefine this iconic rivalry.
