 "The India vs New Zealand CT 2025 final is slated to be held on 9 March. Image: Reuters")
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.
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.