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The stage is set for a exciting finale as India and New Zealand prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9 in Dubai. but while their group-stage encounter was just a formality, this time, the stakes could not be higher. Both teams have been dominant forces in world cricket over the past decade, consistently reaching the knockout stages of 🌠ICC tournaments. However, only one will lift the trophy in Dubai.
Nasser Hussain reveals his choice for Champions Trophy 2025
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, a highly respected cricket analyst, believes that while India enter the final as favorites, New Zealand cannot be written off. The Black Caps have a history of stepping up in crucial ICC games, and Hussain feels they have the mental toughness and skillset to challenge India in the final. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain analyzed the strengths of the New Zealand squad and why they could pose a serious threat to Rohit Sharma’s men.
Hussain emphasized that New Zealand are not a team that self-destructs under pressure, unlike some teams that have been labeled as “choker,” in the past. He recalled a dinner conversation with former Australia captain Aaron Finchও, who described New Zealand as a team that always puts up a fight ▨and never lets the occasion get the better of them.
“They will not bottle it, they won’t choke. We were having dinner with Aaron Finch, and he summed it up pretty well, saying New Zealand are never a side that beat themselves. They turn up, they put in a performance, and they fight till the end. They may not always have the biggest superstars, but they have some of the toughest cricketers who give their absolute best in every match—and that’s why they always reach semi-finals and finals,” Hussain was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Hussain also pointed out that New Zealand’s balance of experience and youth makes them a formidable team in crunch matches. He highlighted the leadership of Mitchell Santner, calling him one of the all-time greats, while also acknowledging the rise of young star Rachin Ravindra, who has𒀰 been one of the st🙈andout batters of the tournament.
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Caution for Hussain for the finals
While India remain unbeaten in this tournament, Hussain cautioned that they will have to earn the title rather than expect New Zealand to falter under pressure. He reminded fans that the Black Caps have troubled India in ICC events before, most notably in the ICC Knockout Trophy final 2000, where New Zea♈land stunned India to win their f꧒irst-ever ICC title.
“They also have that great mix of experienced players and young talents. Kane Williamson has been their rock for years, and then you have someone like Rachin Ravindra, who has announced himself on the big stage. If New Zealand lose this final, it won’t be because they crumbled – it will be because India were simply the better side on the day,” Hussain concluded.
With both teams aiming for Champions Trophy glory, this final promises to be a contest of skill, temperament, and strategy. India, seeking their third Champions Trophy title, will hope to cap off an unbeaten run with silverware, while Ne𒐪w Zealand aim to end a 25-year wait since their first ICC title in 2000. As the cricketing world gears up for the grand finale, the pressure will be on both sides to deliver on the biggest stage and etch their names in Champions Trophy histo🎐ry.
