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The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as India and New Zealand lock horns in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. This highly anticipated match marks the ninth edition of the tournam💃ent, which was first introduced in 1998 as the ICC Knockout Trophy before being rebranded as the Champions Trophy in 2002. The competition, known for its intense and high-stakes format, has seen several iconic moments over the years, and this final promises to be another memorable chapter in its storied history.
India and New Zealand set for a clash
India, led by Rohit Sharma, have been the most dominant team in the tournament, remaining unbeaten with victories over Bangladesh, Pakistan New Zealand and Australia. Their semi-final clash against Australia was a hard-fought battle, where Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya played crucial roles in chasing down 264 with four wickets in hand. On the other hand, New Zealand have shown resilience, bouncing back from their Group A loss against India to defeat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final. Kane Williamson’s anchoring, Rachin Ravindra’s aggressive batting, and the disciplined bowling of Mitchell Santner hav🐲e been i🦩nstrumental in the Black Caps’ success.
This final presents New Zealand with an opportunity for redemption, as they look to avenge their group-stage defeat against India. The match also revives memories of their previous ICC tournament final clashes, including the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy final, which saw New Zealand win their first-ever ICC title, and the 2021 World Test Championship final, where they once again emerged victorious against India. However, India will be determined to secure their third Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013 (under MS Dhoni’s captaincy).
A look at Champions Trophy history and past finalists
Since its inception in 1998, the Champions Trophy has evolved into one of the most prestigious ICC tournaments, often referred to as the “Mini World Cup.” Unlike the ODI World Cup, which features a longer format, the Champions Trophy is a shorter, high-intensity competition, featuring only the top-ranked teams. Over the years, the tournament has produced some of the most thrilling finals in cricket history, with several teams etching their names in glory.
Here is a detailed look at all the Champions🍸 Trophy finals and their outcomes:
1. 1998 – South Africa vs West Indies (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Winner: South Africa (by 4 wickets)
The inaugural edition of the tournament, then known as the Wills International Cup, saw South Africa claim their first and only ICC title to date. Jacques Kallis was the star of the final, taking 5 wickets and scoring 37 runs, guiding South Africa to a 245-run chase against West Indies, who had earlier been powered by Philo Wallace’s 103.
2. 2000 – India vs New Zealand (Nairobi, Kenya)
Winner: New Zealand (by 4 wickets)
India, led by Sourav Ganguly, posted 264/6, courtesy of his brilliant 117. However, Chris Cairns played an u🐽nforgettable knock, smashing an unbeaten 102, to steer New Zealand to victory and secure their first-ever ICC title.
3. 2002 – India vs Sri Lanka (Colombo, Sri Lanka) – Joint Winners
Winner: India & Sri Lanka (Shared Trophy)
This remains the only ICC event to have joint winners, as the final was washed out twice due to rain in Colombo. India and Sri Lanka were both declared co-champions, despite an in-form Virender Sehwag’s explosive batting in the tournament.
4. 2004 – West Indies vs England (The Oval, England)
Winner: West Indies (by 2 wickets)
England posted 217, but West Indies’ lower order, led by Ian Bradshaw and Courtney Browne, scripted an incredible comeback, chasing down the target with seven balls to spare. This remains West Indies’ last ICC trophy to date.
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5. 2006 – Australia vs West Indies (Mumbai, India)
Winner: Australia (by 8 wickets)
Australia finally added the Champions Trophy to their collection of ICC trophies. Shane Watson played a 𝓡pi♉votal role, taking wickets and scoring 57 not out, as Australia chased West Indies’ 138 with ease.
6. 2009 – Australia vs New Zealand (Centurion, South Africa)
Winner: Australia (by 6 wickets)
Australia successfully defended their title, restricting New Zealand to 200 before Shane Watson once again guided them ꦯhome with an unbeaten 105.
7. 2013 – India vs England (Edgbaston, England)
Winner: India (by 5 runs – DLS method)
In a rain-shortened final, India posted 129 in 20 overs. Despite England’s promising chase, Ishant Sharma’s key wickets and Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance helped Dhoni 🌳become the first captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies (T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy).
8. 2017 – Pakistan vs India (The Oval, England)
Winner: Pakistan (by 180 runs)
Pakistan stunned India in a high-stakes final as Fakhar Zaman’s 114 and Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell (3/16) decimated India,𒆙 helping Pakistan secure their maiden Champions Trophy title.
9. 2025 – India vs New Zealand (Dubai, UAE) – TBD
Final to be played on March 9, 2025
The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will witness a battle between India and New Zealand, marking their first meeting in an🐽 ICC white-ball final since 2000. Both teams have been exceptional throughout the tournament, and this final presents India with a chance to win their third Champions Trophy title, while New Zealand will aim for their second. The match will also serve as an opportunity for New Zealand to avenge their Group A loss against India earlier in the tournament. With both teams boasting world-class players, an electrifying contest is on the cards in Dubai.
