Today, cricket fans worldwide are glued to their screens as India and New Zealand lock horns in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Starting at 2:30 PM IST, this high-stakes showdown pits an unbeaten Indian side, led by Rohit Sharma, against a resilient New Zealand team under Mitchell Santner, promising a classic Indo-Kiwi encounter.

India enters as favorites, having dominated the tournament with four straight wins, including a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the group stage on March 2. Their spin-heavy attack—featuring Varun Chakravarthy (5/42 in the earlier clash), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel—has been lethal on Dubai’s slow, turning pitches. Shreyas Iyer’s consistent batting (79 in the group match) and Virat Kohli’s milestone-laden form (nearing his 300th ODI today) bolster a formidable lineup. A semi-final win over Australia has only heightened their momentum.

New Zealand, however, is no pushover. After a convincing semi-final triumph over South Africa, the Blackcaps boast a balanced squad. Kane Williamson, with a gritty 81 against India earlier, remains their linchpin, while Matt Henry’s 10 wickets make him a threat—though his fitness is uncertain after a semi-final injury. Rachin Ravindra’s flair and Santner’s all-round prowess add depth. Their fielding, showcased by stunning catches in the tournament, could be decisive.

The Dubai pitch favors spinners, with 270-280 being a par score, and minimal dew expected under sunny 32°C conditions. India holds a 61-50 edge in 119 ODIs against New Zealand, but the Kiwis’ knack for upsetting India in ICC events adds intrigue. With $2.24 million on the line, this final is set to be a nail-biter.