Dubai (TIP)- India and New Zealand are set to clash in a major tournament final in white-ball cricket for the first time in 25 years. New Zealand secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a dominant performance against South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5. The Black Caps will now face familiar rivals India in the grand finale on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai.
India became the first team to book their spot in the final after defeating Australia by four wickets in Dubai on Tuesday. New Zealand, who lost their last Group A match against India, will now have the opportunity to avenge that defeat when they take on Rohit Sharma and his men at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India and New Zealand have met twice before in ICC tournament finals. The last time they faced each other in a title match was in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final in Southampton, where a Kane Williamson-led New Zealand outclassed India by eight wickets in a rain-affected contest that stretched over six days.
India secured a spot in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final by defeating Australia by four wickets in the semi-final held on March 4, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Match Highlights:
– Australia’s Innings: After opting to bat first, Australia posted a total of 264 runs. Steve Smith top-scored with 73 runs, and Alex Carey contributed 60 runs.
– India’s Chase: Virat Kohli anchored India’s response with a crucial 84 runs. Despite losing wickets at intervals, India successfully chased down the target in 48.1 overs, thanks to key contributions from KL Rahul (36 not out) and Hardik Pandya (28).
– Man of the Match: Virat Kohli was named Man of the Match for his pivotal innings.
– This victory propels India into their third consecutive Champions Trophy final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa.
– The final is scheduled for March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.