Champions Trophy: Reflecting on Key Matches Between India and New Zealand Before the Final Showdown
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As India gets ready to clash with New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, we explore the historical context and key past encounters between these two cricketing powerhouses.
Key Takeaways
- India holds a 7-match ODI win streak leading to the final.
- New Zealand has won 3 out of 4 finals against India.
- Varun Chakravarthy's five wickets led India to victory in the group stage.
- New Zealand claimed their first ICC title in 2000 against India.
- India broke their knockout jinx against New Zealand in 2023.
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) As India gears up to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai this Sunday, the weight of history is palpable in this eagerly awaited clash. Although India steps onto the field as the favorite, boasting seven straight ODI victories prior to the final, their historical performance against New Zealand in ICC tournament finals reveals a contrasting narrative.
Overall, New Zealand enjoys a 3-1 lead over India in finals within international cricket. The two teams previously clashed in the Champions Trophy 2025, where India triumphed with a 40-run win during the group stage. Varun Chakravarthy’s remarkable five-wicket haul dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup, showcasing India’s prowess in spin-friendly environments. Let’s delve into the outcomes of past ICC knockout matches.
2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy final (now known as the Champions Trophy): The inaugural major ICC final between these teams occurred during the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy. New Zealand secured their first and only ICC white-ball title by overcoming India in a tightly contested finale. Chris Cairns delivered a heroic performance, scoring a century that propelled the Black Caps to a four-wicket victory, leaving India devastated.
2019 ODI World Cup semi-final: In a match extended over two days due to rain, New Zealand once more dashed India’s hopes. The Kiwis successfully defended a modest total of 239 at Old Trafford, thanks to a resilient bowling effort from Matthew Henry and Trent Boult. India’s top order faltered early, and despite a commendable effort from Ravindra Jadeja (77) and MS Dhoni (50), the Men in Blue fell short by 18 runs.
2021 ICC World Test Championship final: New Zealand maintained their supremacy in ICC finals by clinching the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title against India in a rain-affected match in Southampton. Kane Williamson’s composed 52* and Ross Taylor’s unbeaten 47 led the Black Caps to an eight-wicket victory, further solidifying their status as India’s nemesis in knockout scenarios.
2023 ODI World Cup semi-final: India finally broke the knockout curse against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shreyas Iyer's and Virat Kohli’s record-setting centuries, along with Mohammed Shami’s spectacular five-wicket haul, propelled India to a 70-run victory in Mumbai.
If India emerges victorious, they will not only claim their third Champions Trophy title but also lift a 25-year-old curse by defeating New Zealand in a significant international final. Additionally, this win would establish them as the sole record holders of the Champions Trophy, surpassing Australia.
With the final scheduled to take place in Dubai, where successful chases are more frequent in night matches, both teams will be tactical in their approach. India’s formidable form, paired with their array of spin options, positions them as favorites, yet New Zealand’s resilience in ICC events guarantees an unpredictable contest.
