India and New Zealand will clash in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, marking the latest chapter in an emerging rivalry. While India's traditional contests against Pakistan, Australia, and England have drawn greater attention, the Black Caps have quietly become a formidable opponent.
The 2024-25 season cemented this growing rivalry. New Zealand stunned India with a historic 3-0 Test series win at home, followed by India’s series loss in Australia—both setbacks costing them a spot in the World Test Championship final. Now, reaching the Champions Trophy final offers India a shot at redemption.
Spin to Dominate Final Showdown
New Zealand's Mitchell Santner was pivotal in their Test series triumph, thriving on India’s spin struggles at home. Now, as ODI captain, he leads a team poised to exploit similar conditions. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch has slowed significantly, favoring spin. Australia’s 264 in the semifinal—chased down by India—was the tournament’s highest first-innings total.
In their group-stage clash last Sunday, India and New Zealand saw the ball barely rise above knee height in the second innings, further emphasizing spin's role in the final.
India’s spin-heavy strategy has paid off. Rohit Sharma fielded three spinners, with Varun Chakravarthy complementing Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya in pace. Chakravarthy has taken seven wickets in two matches, while Indian spinners claimed 14 of 20 wickets against New Zealand and Australia en route to the final.
Batters will be key. Virat Kohli (217 runs) and Kane Williamson (189 runs) will anchor their sides, while Rachin Ravindra (226 runs) and Shreyas Iyer (195 runs) will provide the aggression. Santner expects an unpredictable wicket: “It could be a 300-run pitch or a 250 one. We must adapt.”
Does India Have an Advantage?
India has played all its games in Dubai due to security concerns, avoiding travel across UAE venues. Opinions are split on whether this is an advantage. Coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the notion, stating, “We haven’t even practiced here.” However, lead pacer Shami admitted, “Knowing the conditions definitely helped.”
New Zealand, meanwhile, dominated the Pakistan leg, knocking out the hosts and Bangladesh before overcoming travel fatigue to thrash South Africa in the Lahore semifinal.
A Rivalry Years in the Making
New Zealand’s lone ICC limited-overs trophy came in 2000, when Chris Cairns' century sunk India in the ICC Knock Out Trophy—now the Champions Trophy. More recently, the Black Caps edged India in the 2019 World Cup semifinal and triumphed in the 2021 World Test Championship final. India returned the favor in 2023, denying New Zealand a third straight World Cup final appearance.
India’s last Champions Trophy win came in 2013, with Rohit Sharma and Kohli playing pivotal roles. Could this be their final ODI appearance, and a chance to avenge their 2023 World Cup final loss?
Vice-captain Shubman Gill remains focused: “No talk of retirement. We’re here to win.”
