India and New Zealand are locked as the finalists of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, after winning their respective semi-finals against Australia and South Africa. The two teams will now be up against at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 09 as the ultimate winner of the finale will lift the prized silverware.
A plethora of experts have opined their views on the team with a better advantage in the contest, and the majority of them have been in favour of the Indian team. However, contrary to many beliefs, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that New Zealand will come good in the final, and hold an upper hand for the thrilling contest.
“India beat New Zealand with ease earlier in the tournament, but I don’t think it will be that easy this time. New Zealand would be a little better prepared. They will be used to the conditions as well because they have already played once in Dubai,” he said while speaking on cricketer Basit Ali’s YouTube channel.
He also appreciated New Zealand’s well-rounded bowling unit, specifically their strong spin attacks. Dismissing KL Rahul and finishing with figures of 10-1-41-1, the Kiwi skipper Santner was particularly competent in the group-stage game against India. His captaincy and form with the ball have been an extremely important factor for the finalists, as reckoned by Jaffer.
“They have that depth in the batting. They have bowling that would suit the conditions in Dubai. Mitchell Santner has captained and bowled really well. They also have Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. They have a lot of options, which the other teams didn’t have,” he added.
The New Zealanders will enter the final with confidence after a dominant semi-final victory over the Proteas in Lahore. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both scored a ton, dashing their team to a formidable 362/6. The rainbow nation fell short of the target despite superb knocks from David Miller, Temba Bavuma, and Rassie van der Dussen.
Meantime, India made their place in the final by defeating Australia by four wickets. Virat Kohli played a key role in the chase, scoring a composed 84 as India sealed victory with 11 balls to spare. With both teams in top form, the highly anticipated final promises to be a nail-biter.
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