Dubai, March 8, 2025: India is set to break a 37-year-old curse as they take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.
Riding on the momentum of seven consecutive ODI victories, India enters the clash as the favorites. However, history favors New Zealand when it comes to international tournament finals.
India has not defeated New Zealand in an international final since 1988, with the Kiwis holding a dominant record in major tournament deciders:
The last time India defeated New Zealand in a final was in the 1988 Sharjah Cup, where Ravi Shastri’s all-round performance guided India to a 52-run win. Since then, India has failed to claim a final victory against the Black Caps, making this a 37-year-long drought.
If India wins on Sunday, it will be their first-ever victory over New Zealand in an ICC final. Additionally, India will become the sole record holders of the Champions Trophy, surpassing Australia, having previously won the title in 2002 and 2013.
India already holds an advantage in this tournament, having defeated New Zealand in the group stage. In that match, the Kiwis fell short while chasing 250, with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy dismantling their batting lineup with five wickets.
For New Zealand, success will depend on their ability to counter India’s formidable spin attack, which has been instrumental throughout the tournament. The Black Caps will also look to replicate their strong batting performance from the semi-final against South Africa.
With history against them but form on their side, India will be eager to rewrite the script and finally lift a long-awaited ICC trophy at New Zealand’s expense.
