As India and New Zealand gear up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium, their rich history in ICC tournaments adds an extra layer of intrigue. While India has been dominant in recent bilateral encounters, New Zealand has historically had the upper hand in ICC events, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.
New Zealand’s dominance in ICC tournaments
In their 16 ICC tournament meetings, New Zealand leads the head-to-head record 10-6. The Black Caps have often proven to be India’s stumbling block on the global stage, excelling in knockout matches. However, in ICC ODI encounters, the record is now balanced at 6-6 following India’s group-stage victory over New Zealand in this tournament.
Memorable encounters so far
- 2000 ICC KnockOut final: New Zealand secured their maiden ICC trophy by defeating India in the final, marking a historic moment in their cricketing journey.
- 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final: In a rain-affected thriller, the Kiwi bowlers rattled India’s top order, knocking them out and advancing to the final.
- 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final: India flipped the script, securing a commanding victory over New Zealand, highlighted by Virat Kohli surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries.
- 2025 Champions Trophy group stage: India defeated New Zealand, with spinner Varun Chakravarthy taking a crucial five-wicket haul, hinting at a shift in balance between the two teams.
The final showdown in Dubai
New Zealand enters the final after a 50-run win over South Africa, fueled by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, along with Mitchell Santner’s three-wicket haul. Meanwhile, India cruised past Australia in the first semi-final. With both teams in peak form, Sunday’s final promises to be another thrilling chapter in this evolving rivalry.
