 "Champions Trophy final: How New Zealand can derail undefeated India’s hopes of winning third title")
As India prepare to face New Zealand in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final , Rohit Sharma and his men will be wary of the threats posed by the Black Caps. New Zealand have been a formidable opponent for India in ICC tournaments, having defeated them in the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final. The Kiwis had also knocked India out of the 2021 T20 World Cup with a victory in the group-stage.
The last time India and New Zealand met in the ICC Champions Trophy final, the Kiwis won on the back of a brilliant century from Chris Cairns. Sourav Ganguly also scored a century in the match but in vain as India lost the final by 4 wickets.
Champions Trophy 2025: News | Schedule | Results
Despite India’s dominant run in the 2025 edition of the tournament, the New Zealand team has the tools to exploit key weaknesses in their lineup.
The fast bowling factor
New Zealand’s biggest strength lies in their new-ball bowlers, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. Both pacers have troubled India’s top order in the past, especially in swing-friendly conditions. If the Champions Trophy final is played on a pitch that offers early movement, the likes of Rohit, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli could face a stern challenge.
The spin challenge
Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has consistently kept India’s batters in check in white-ball cricket. He is known for his control and ability to extract turn, especially on dry and slow surfaces. With Indian batters often looking to dominate spinners in the middle overs, Santner’s tight lines and variations could force them to attempt false shots, leading to crucial breakthroughs.
New Zealand’s world-class batters
New Zealand’s key batter Kane Williamson has the ability to anchor the innings while rotating strike against spinners could neutralise India’s spin attack. Moreover, the side also has Rachin Ravindra, who is equally good and is in good form with two centuries in the Champions Trophy so far, including against South Africa in Wednesday’s semi-final in Lahore.
Kiwis’ gun fielding
New Zealand’s exceptional fielding has long been another factor in their success in ICC tournaments, and it could play a decisive role in the Champions Trophy final. With fielders like Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Will Young, the Kiwis are capable of preventing boundaries, effecting game-changing run-outs, and taking stunning catches under pressure.
India have struggled against New Zealand in crucial ICC knockout matches. The ghosts of the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final loss and the 2021 WTC final defeat still linger. If New Zealand can put India under early pressure, doubts might creep in, giving the Black Caps an added psychological advantage.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe Indian team, on the other hand, has been in top form, with Rohit, Gill, Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer leading from the front. However, New Zealand have a well-rounded squad capable of causing an upset. If India can handle the new-ball swing, counter Santner’s spin, and finish strongly in the death overs, they will be well-placed to lift the trophy.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
