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The final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is right around the corner with India and New Zealand 𒊎set for the epic clash at the Dubai International Stadium. Both teams have locked horns in the tournament’s final once before. Back in the year 2000 when New Zealand dominated the Indian team to win the coveted ICC trophy.
However, the clash between the two nations this time comes at a time when both teams are in an emphatic form. Both teams have outperformed other rivals during the course of the tournam𒅌ent. Thus, the final clash of the prestigious ICC to♋urnament is set to be a high-octane clash between two elite ODI teams.
India’s dominant run in Champions Trophy 2025
India have maintained a perfect record in the Champions Trophy 2025. The Rohit Sharma-led team first defeated Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage of the tournament. Then, they faced Australia in the semi-final where they dominated the world champions, completely putting up a remarkable run-chase steered by a majestic knock from Virat Kohli. This led to a win for India by 4 wickets and ꧙an entry into the final of the tournament.
New Zealand’s ambitious march in the Champions Trophy 2025 final
The Black Caps have looked solid in the tournament so far. India are the only team who have triumphed over New Zealand so far. Their performance against South Africa in the semi-final of the tournament was particularly impressive where they put up a gigantic to𓂃tal of 362/6 in 50 overs before the Proteas. Their batters have appeared in fine form and bowlers have managed to restrict the opposition efficiently. Thus, New Zealand are a force to be reckoned with in the final of the tournament.
In the light of some extraordinary performances with the bat by the teams in thಞe Champions Trophy, here are the highest team total in the final of the tournament’s history.
Top 5 highest team total in Champions Trophy final
(5) Australia (206/2 in 45.2 overs):
In the final of the 2009 Champions Trophy, Australia successfully chased down New Zealand’s target of 201 runs, winning by 6 wickets with 28 balls to spare. Set a target of 201 from 50 overs, Australia achieved the target in 45.2 overs, finishing at 206/4. Shane Watson played a stellar knock, remaining unbeaten on 105 off 129 balls, guiding his team to victory with a composed century. Watson’s innings, which included 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, was the backbone of Australia’s chase, as he displayed remarkable resilience and skill under pressure. Cameron White contributed with a valuable 62 off 102 balls. Despite a few early setbacks, including the dismissals of Tim Paine, Ricky Ponting, and Michael Hussey, Australia cruised to the target with Watson’s b👍rilliance at the crease, earni🦋ng him the Player of the Match award.
(4) West Indies (218/8 in 48.5 overs):
In the final of the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval, the West Indies completed a thrilling chase to defeat England by 2 wickets with 7 balls to spare. Set a target of 218 from 50 overs, the West Indies faced some early setbacks, with key wickets falling, including Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, and Brian Lara. However, a gritty 47 from Shivnarine Chanderpaul and valuable lower-order contributions turned the tide. Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw held their nerve in a crucial 58-run partnership, guiding the West Indies over the line. Despite the pressure of chasing a modest total🎐, West Indies showed resilience, with key partnerships stabilizing the innings. The win marked a memorable triumph for the West Indies, as they chased down the targ⛄et with composure and poise.
(3) South Africa (248/6 in 47 overs):
In the final of the 1998 Wills International Cup, South Africa secured a thrilling 4-wicket victory over the West Indies in Dhaka, successfully chasing down a target of 246 with 18 balls to spare. Set to chase 246 from 50 overs, South Africa faced a solid start, with Mike Rindel leading the charge with a well-made 49 off 56 balls. Hansie Cronje contributed a composed 61 off 77 balls, anchoring the innings as the West Indies bowlers, led by Carl Hooper and Phil Simmons, struggled to break through. Jacques Kallis played a crucial role, not only scoring 37 runs off 51 balls but also delivering a match-winning performance with the ball, taking 5 wickets for just 30 runs. His all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award. Despite a few wickets falling at critical moments, including the dismissals of Jonty Rhodes and Dale Benkenstein, South Africa’s lower order, led by Derek Crookes held their nerve, ensuring they reached 💟the target with 18 balls remaining.
Also Read: India or New Zealꦿand? Michael Clarke predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025 final
(2) New Zealand (265/6 in 49.4 overs):
In the final of the 2000 ICC KnockOut in Nairobi, New Zealand triumphed over India in a thrilling chase, successfully reaching the target of 265 runs with 4 wickets to spare. India had posted a competitive total of 264/6, due to solid contributions from Sourav Ganguly, Dinesh Mongia, and Sachin Tendulkar.
However, New Zealand’s chase was anchored by a brilliant century from Chris Cairns, who remained unbeaten on 102 off 113 balls, guiding his team to victory. Cairns’ composed knock included 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, anchoring the middle order after early wickets fell, including those of Craig Spearman, Stephen Fleming, and Nathan Astle. Chris Harris and Roger Twose🌃 also contributed valuable runs. With a steady hand in the final overs, Cairns and Adam Parore saw N⛎ew Zealand home, sealing the win in 49.4 overs. This victory marked a memorable achievement for New Zealand, clinching the 2000 ICC KnockOut trophy.
(1) Pakistan (338/4 in 50 overs):
In the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 338/4 in their 50 overs, setting a formidable target for India. Fakhar Zaman was the star of the innings, scoring a brilliant 114 off 106 balls, a knock that included 12 boundaries and 3 sixes, as he anchored Pakistan’s innings with flair and composure. Alongside him, Azhar Ali made a steady 59 off 71 balls, while Babar Azam contributed a solid 46 off 52 balls, adding crucial runs in the middle overs. Mohammad Hafeez played an explosive cameo, remaining unbeaten on 57 off just 37 balls while Imad Wasim provided valuableꦰ support, scoring 25 off 21 balls. Pakistan’s innings was built on steady partnerships, with strong contributions from all corners, and ꦐa late flourish ensuring they reached a daunting total. Their performance with the bat was clinical, setting India a daunting chase of 339 runs, a task that would ultimately prove too much for the defending champions.
