The much-awaited India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final will be held on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium. Both the teams have given remarkable performances to make it to the final, so this will be an enthralling encounter for cricket spectators around the globe.
India, having not lost a game in the tournament until now, qualified for the final by defeating defending champions Australia in the semifinal by a resounding margin. New Zealand, in the other semifinal, dominated South Africa by 50 runs to stage the high-stakes final against India.
Adding to the confidence of India, they have already beaten New Zealand once in this tournament, having won their league-stage match on March 2.
Reserve Day for Champions Trophy 2025 Final?
As the excitement reaches its zenith, everyone wants to know, What if rain plays spoilsport during the final? Is there a reserve day for the match?
The positive is that ICC has scheduled a reserve day for the final of Champions Trophy. The match cannot be finished on March 9 because of rain or any other delays, so the game will then be picked up the next day, March 10, from where it has left, in the same place, thus determining a proper and conclusive result.
The 2002 Champions Trophy Final – A Unique Case
Rain interruptions in a final are unusual, but the Champions Trophy 2002 is the only occasion in tournament history that saw a bad weather condition resulting in a tied title.
In that year, the India-Sri Lanka final was played over two days, but rain stopped India’s innings from going beyond the 10-over stage on both days. Even though Sri Lanka had played their full 50-over innings, the match could not be finished, and both teams were declared joint winners.
Unlike 2002, today’s ICC conditions of play provide just a single reserve day per match, which means that the final will be concluded within the two given days.
Weather Outlook for the 2025 Champions Trophy Final
Fears over possible rain interferences in Dubai are few. As indicated by AccuWeather.com, on March 9 the weather will be clear, with no predicted rainfall.
Temperature: 33°C
Conditions: Partly sunny and very warm
Chance of Rain: Extremely low
With these conditions, the final will probably be held as planned without requiring a reserve day.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in ODIs
India and New Zealand have played 119 One Day Internationals (ODIs) so far. The statistics show a competitive past between the two nations:
India Wins: 61
New Zealand Wins: 50
No Results: 7
Tied Matches: 1
These statistics point out that the two teams are evenly matched, and the final to come is going to be an intriguing showdown.
India and New Zealand’s Road to the Final
India’s Journey
India has been in scintillating form during the tournament and is yet to be beaten. Their semifinal encounter with Australia was a real test of skill and will.
India’s bowlers delivered a great show, holding Australia to a modest score. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded the attack, taking vital wickets. Virat Kohli hit a match-winning innings, posting a vital half-century to help India emerge winners.
New Zealand Dominance
New Zealand thrashed into the final in an emphatic fashion against South Africa, beating them by 50 runs. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson guided New Zealand to a giant score, both contributing centuries.
South Africa’s David Miller resisted with a century, but his resistance proved futile as they were 50 runs short of the target. Both teams being in top condition, the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be a high-intensity encounter.
What to Expect from the Final?
India will attempt to continue their unbeaten run and win their third Champions Trophy title. New Zealand, who has been short of success in the past ICC events, will look to win their first-ever Champions Trophy. The game will be hosted at Dubai International Stadium, which is famous for its batting-friendly pitches and high-scoring matches.
Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Key Details
Match: India vs New Zealand
Date: Sunday, 9th March 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
Start Time: 13:00 Local Time
Reserve Day: March 10, 2025
Tickets: On sale online at Virgin Megastore and stadium box office
Final Thoughts
As India and New Zealand play outstanding cricket, the Champions Trophy 2025 final promises to be a landmark match. Luckily, with a reserve day to fall back on and fair weather forecasted, supporters can anticipate a complete game with a definitive winner.
Cricket fans across the globe will be watching with bated breath to see if India keeps up its streak or if New Zealand makes history by winning their first Champions Trophy.
