 "New Zealand set up Champions Trophy final against India with massive win over South Africa: 'Best two teams...'")
New Zealand have become the second team to qualify for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a 50-run victory over South Africa on Wednesday. The Kiwis sealed their spot courtesy of Rachin Ravindra, who starred with the bat, smashing a sensational century to claim the Player of the Match award.
With the ball, Mitchell Santner led the charge, grabbing three key wickets in the middle overs to put New Zealand in control. Despite a valiant century from David Miller, South Africa fell short as the Kiwi bowlers struck at regular intervals. Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen made valuable contributions, but it wasn’t enough to keep their final hopes alive.
Champions Trophy 2025: News | Schedule | Results | Points Table
The last time India and New Zealand met in a Champions Trophy final was back in 2000, when the tournament was called the ICC KnockOut Trophy. Stephen Fleming’s New Zealand defeated Sourav Ganguly’s India by 4 wickets, chasing down 265, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 102 from Chris Cairns in Nairobi. Here’s how fans are reacting to this matchup.
India vs New Zealand is a fitting final.
— Adam Bell 🇳🇿🇮🇹 (@AdamKerrBell) March 5, 2025
They have been the best two teams in the #ChampionsTrophy2025
Both teams bat deep, and possess a plethora of spinning options.
Should be a cracking final.
Well deserved final spot for New Zealand, still think they can beat India. Interesting to see what they learnt from their first game in Dubai
— Joe🏏 (@Joe_Nuttall9) March 5, 2025
All roads lead to March 9, 2025! 🏆🔥
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) March 5, 2025
India vs New Zealand – a showdown for the ages! Who will rise to the occasion? 👀💥#ChampionsTrophy2025 #indvsnz #BharatArmy #TeamIndia #COTI pic.twitter.com/CJBpaIyBgT
India New Zealand promises to be a blockbuster, since New Zealand will challenge India to hilt..pose a serious threat and is a side that you can bet your money on to be professional and punch above their weight!!
— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) March 5, 2025
India have a task on their hands!
The final between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played in Dubai on 9 March. The two teams met in the final group-stage game of the tournament at the same venue, which India won by a comfortable margin. New Zealand will look to take revenge when they meet India again in the final. India qualified for the final after beating Australia by 4 wickets.
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