India and New Zealand are set to clash in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, as both sides aim to etch their names in history by lifting the coveted trophy after an eight-year gap.
The highly anticipated encounter will see an unbeaten Indian side take on a formidable New Zealand team, with both sides boasting strong performances in the tournament.
For India, this final marks a record third consecutive Champions Trophy final appearance, a feat unmatched by any other team.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to reclaim the title they last won in 2000. The Black Caps have historically dominated ICC knockout matches against India, having won three of their four encounters.
Path to the final
India and New Zealand were both placed in Group A, where the Men in Blue secured a comfortable 44-run victory over the Kiwis in the group stage. India finished at the top of the table with three consecutive wins, while New Zealand, despite the loss, managed to advance as the second-placed team.
In the semi-finals, India edged past reigning ODI world champions Australia, chasing down the target with four wickets in hand. Meanwhile, New Zealand produced a commanding display to defeat South Africa by a comprehensive margin in Lahore.
Head-to-head record
In ODI cricket, India hold a slight edge over New Zealand, having won 61 out of the 119 encounters, while the Black Caps have claimed victory in 50 matches. One game ended in a tie, while seven produced no result.
However, in ICC tournaments, the record is evenly poised. The two teams have won six matches each across ten World Cup clashes and two Champions Trophy games. Their World Cup meetings are tied 5-5, while in the Champions Trophy, both teams have won one match apiece.
India will enter the final with the hope of ending their title drought, having last reached the Champions Trophy final in 2017, where they suffered a crushing defeat against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be looking to capitalize on their strong track record in ICC knockout games and add another major trophy to their cabinet.
