Islamabad, Mar 09, 2025: India and New Zealand are gearing up for a thrilling contest in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, scheduled to take place today in Dubai.
The high-stakes match will be the third time both teams have faced each other in the final of an ICC event, with both sides having a rich history of memorable encounters.
The first of these final showdowns occurred on October 15, 2000, at the ICC KnockOut tournament in Nairobi (now known as the ICC Champions Trophy).
On that occasion, New Zealand claimed their first-ever ICC title, defeating India by four wickets in a dramatic finish. Chris Cairns, who was the star of the match, played a brilliant knock of 102 not out, guiding New Zealand to victory with two balls to spare.
A Historic ICC KnockOut Final (2000)
In the 2000 final, India posted a challenging total of 264/6, with Sourav Ganguly leading the charge with 117 runs.
However, New Zealand’s chase was bolstered by Cairns’ calm and composed innings, supported by an all-round team effort.
Despite a middle-order collapse, New Zealand reached their target of 265/6, clinching the title. This victory etched New Zealand’s name in cricketing history as they became the first-ever ICC KnockOut champions.
The Last Meeting: WTC 2021
Their most recent final encounter came during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2021 at Southampton.
In that match, New Zealand emerged victorious once again, this time by 8 wickets, with Kyle Jamieson taking 7 wickets across both innings.
India’s top order faltered, and despite a valiant effort by their lower order, they could not set a strong enough total. New Zealand’s successful chase in the second innings, led by captain Kane Williamson, secured their place in history as WTC champions.
