India and New Zealand, two of the most consistent teams in ICC tournaments, are set to clash in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. The summit clash promises to be an electrifying contest between an in-form Indian side and a resilient New Zealand team that has built a reputation for thriving in big matches.

India undoubtedly enter the final as the stronger side on paper, but if history has taught us anything, it's that New Zealand are never to be underestimated. The Kiwis have repeatedly shattered Indian dreams in ICC knockouts, and Rohit Sharma's men will be wary of that threat.

Will India finally overcome their New Zealand knockout curse, or will the Black Caps once again prove to be their nemesis? The stage is set for an epic showdown on Sunday!

India vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head in ICC Knockout Matches

While India boasts an impressive overall record against New Zealand in ODIs, their performance in ICC knockout games against the Kiwis is a cause for concern. The two teams have faced each other in four knockout matches in ICC tournaments, with New Zealand winning three times and India securing victory just once.

Here’s a look at their head-to-head record in ICC knockout games:

India will take confidence from their recent triumph over New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal, but they will also be mindful of past heartbreaks. The Kiwis have repeatedly punched above their weight on the big stage, and they will look to do the same in the 2025 Champions Trophy final.

Spin vs Pace: Which Team Holds the Edge?

One of the most intriguing aspects of this final will be the battle between India's world-class spin attack and New Zealand's potent pace battery.

India’s Strength: A Lethal Spin Quartet

India's biggest weapon in this contest will be their strong spin attack, comprising:

• Ravindra Jadeja (left-arm orthodox)
• Axar Patel (left-arm orthodox)
• Kuldeep Yadav (left-arm wrist spin)
• Varun Chakaravarthy (mystery spin)

On a slow and turning pitch, these four bowlers could wreak havoc and trouble the Kiwi batters. With the conditions in India's favor, spin could play a decisive role in the outcome of the final.

New Zealand’s Strength: A Well-Balanced Bowling Unit

New Zealand, on the other hand, boast a formidable pace attack featuring:

• Kyle Jamieson
• Matt Henry
• William O'Rourke

In addition, their spin department is not to be overlooked, with:

• Mitchell Santner (primary spinner)
• Michael Bracewell (off-spin)
• Glenn Phillips (off-spin)

New Zealand's pacers will look to exploit any movement available, while Santner has a history of troubling Indian batters with his intelligent variations.

While India might have a clear edge in spin, the Kiwis have enough firepower to challenge them. The battle between bat and ball will be fascinating to watch!

Can India Break the New Zealand Jinx in ICC Finals?

India have been dominant in bilateral series and league-stage matches but have struggled in ICC finals in recent years. The last ICC title they won was the 2013 Champions Trophy, and since then, they have faltered at the final hurdle multiple times.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have developed a reputation as one of the toughest knockout teams in world cricket. They won the 2019 World Test Championship, finished runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, and now have another shot at glory in the Champions Trophy 2025 final.

For India, this final is not just about lifting the trophy—it's about ending their ICC title drought and overcoming their New Zealand demons.

Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand?

Looking at the recent form, squad strength, and conditions, India appear to have the advantage. They defeated New Zealand in the league stage, have a better spin attack, and possess a stronger batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill.

However, New Zealand are known for pulling off upsets, and they will enter this final with nothing to lose. If their pacers strike early and their batters handle spin well, they could once again break Indian hearts.

Will India finally end their ICC final woes, or will New Zealand script yet another fairy tale victory? The cricketing world will find out on Sunday!

1. What time is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand?

The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 10, 2025. The exact timing and venue details will be confirmed closer to the match.

2. How many times have India and New Zealand faced each other in an ICC final?

This will be the second time India and New Zealand meet in an ICC final. The first was in the 2000 Champions Trophy final, where New Zealand won.

3. Who are the key players to watch out for in the final?

For India, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja will be crucial. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, and Mitchell Santner will be key players.

4. How did India and New Zealand reach the Champions Trophy 2025 final?

Both teams performed consistently in the tournament, winning key matches in the group stage and semifinals to book their place in the final.

5. What is India’s recent record against New Zealand in ICC tournaments?

India won their last ICC encounter against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal but have lost three out of four knockout games against them historically.