India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy, 2025, Full Score Card

Another yorker, on off, Michael Bracewell digs it in front of deep cover where Axar Patel fails to pick it up cleanly and that allows the second run to be completed with ease. New Zealand end at 251/7!

FIFTY for Michael Bracewell! What a brilliant cameo this has been for New Zealand! Walking in at a tricky phase, Bracewell has managed to inject some much-needed momentum into the innings. A valuable knock under pressure! Full and on off, Bracewell shuffles across and scoops it past backward square leg for a couple of runs to get to the milestone.

Superb delivery! A pinpoint yorker, right at the toes, angling in, Nathan Smith looks to flick but misses and falls over as the ball crashes his shoes and goes to short fine leg. The batters steal a leg bye.

Shami sees the batter shuffle across and bowls a full toss, following him, Michael Bracewell hits it to long off for a single.

Full and outside off, Michael Bracewell drags it to long on for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Not a bad ball but just a better shot to get four runs. Shami goes full and outside off, Michael Bracewell opens the bat face and steers it to the right of deep third. Ravindra Jadeja moves across in a flash and tries to stick his boot in the way but the ball goes past it to crash into the ropes.

Nathan Smith walks in but it will be Michael Bracewell on strike at the start of the over. Shami will close out the innings for India. Can New Zealand get to 250? It would give them a psychological edge heading into the break.

OUT! RUN OUT! A good throw from Virat Kohli leads to a wicket! Hardik Pandya goes into the deck again, short of a length, on middle, Mitchell Santner pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Gets the first run with ease but sets off for the second to get Bracewell back on strike for the next over. Virat Kohli collects the ball in a swift motion and fires a throw to the keeper KL Rahul on a bounce and he knocks the bails. Mitchell Santner drags his bat but the throw is just too good catching him short of the crease.

Is Mitchell Santner short of his crease? The third umpire is called into action, and the replays confirm that despite the desperate stretch, the Kiwi skipper is caught short!

Hardik takes some pace off with a roll off the fingers over the ball and drops it short, just outside off, Mitchell Santner is way too early on the pull and misses.

Full and on middle, Mitchell Santner chips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Top effort from Rohit Sharma! Pandya goes full and outside off, Michael Bracewell firms his drive to the right of cover and Rohit dives to get a hand to it. Keeps it down to just a single.

SIX! CRACKING SHOT! Hardik Pandya drops it short and outside off, Michael Bracewell picks the length early, stays firm, and dispatches it over mid-wicket with effortless power!

Hard length, on middle and leg, Santner gets his bat in front and knocks it to long on for one.

WIDE! Starts with a short one, that's just a bit too short and well outside off. Mitchell Santner drops his wrists on this one.

With two left-handers at the crease, Rohit Sharma might be reluctant to bring on Axar Patel. Bowling Hardik Pandya here makes much more sense, and Rohit does exactly that. Hardik has bowled just two overs so far, conceding 18 runs.

A low full toss, outside off, Michael Bracewell goes hard at it and thumps it to deep point for a couple of runs.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for New Zealand! Michael Bracewell premeditates the delivery and shuffles across a long way. Mohammad Shami fires it full and at the stumps, Bracewell just about manages to help it on its way to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Attacks the stumps, on a fuller length, angling it into the batter, Mitchell Santner hits it aerially but well short of deep cover for a single.

Very full, outside off, almost a wide yorker, Michael Bracewell cuts it to deep point for one.

Shami comes from around the wicket and serves it full and wide outside off, Santner knocks it to deep cover for a single.

Full and angling across, outside off, Michael Bracewell steers it to deep backward point. Ravindra Jadeja is quick across the turf to mop it up and makes sure to keep it down to just a single.

WIDE! Shami goes full but lands it well outside the tramline on off. Michael Bracewell leaves it alone.

Full and on the pads, Michael Bracewell turns it to deep square leg for a single. Tidy over from Kuldeep Yadav to wrap up his spell. Finishes with 2/40!

In the air, but falls safe! Full and outside off, Bracewell slices it aerially over cover and gets two runs.

Kuldeep goes fuller than a length, at the stumps, Michael Bracewell punches it straight back to the bowler.

Pushed through wide outside off, shorter in length, Michael Bracewell swings across the line but fails to connect.

Full, on middle, Santner works it in front of deep mid-wicket and takes a run. Michael Bracewell looks for the second but is denied.

Comes back in for his final over and lands it full, on middle, Mitchell Santner skips down the track and looks to tuck it across but misses. The ball lobs in front of short third off his pads.

Takes pace off and keeps it full, on middle and off, Santner knocks it to mid off and charges through for a quick single.

Nails the yorker, at the stumps does Shami, Mitchell Santner jams it out to cover.

Skipper Mitchell Santner is in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! One shot too many from Daryl Mitchell and Mohammad Shami gets his name on the wickets column. A big blow to New Zealand at the wrong time! Shami goes full this time and keeps it just outside off, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg out and looks to power it over the infield on the off side but doesn't quite get underneath the ball. Hits it off the cue end of the bat and over cover. Rohit Sharma backtracks a bit and takes a good catch over his head. Daryl Mitchell departs for a fighting 63 off 101 balls and New Zealand are 211/6.

FOUR! Daryl Mitchell has started to switch gears and runs are flowing freely now from both ends. Mohammad Shami bangs it into the surface, on a length, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell pulls it behind square on the leg side for another boundary.

Short again, over off, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to the left of deep square leg. The batters scamper for the second and a wayward throw from Shubman Gill allows them to get through with ease.

FOUR! Perfect start to the over! Shami drops it short and on middle, sits up perfectly for Daryl Mitchell who pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Varun Chakaravarthy has walked off the field after completing his spell. Probably to rest up his feet after the blow that he took earlier.

This deviates away a bit, on off, on a nagging length, Daryl Mitchell is squared up in defence. Gets it off the outer half of the bat towards backward point for one. Varun Chakaravarthy finishes with figures of 10-0-45-2.

At the stumps, fuller in length, Daryl Mitchell pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Slightly slower, on the shorter side, on middle, Bracewell turns it through square leg for a single. 200 up for New Zealand!

Pushed through, flat and short, on middle, Michael Bracewell whips it to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

Turning away, on off, on a length, Michael Bracewell gets down on a knee for the sweep but misses.

Floated up, on off, on a nagging length, eased to long on for a single.

A bit too straight, on the pads, on a nagging length, Bracewell helps it towards short fine leg where a fumble from Varun Chakaravarthy allows the batters to take the second run. A much-needed productive over for New Zealand. 12 runs off it.

SIX! New Zealand need many more of these! Shami digs it in short but it is not short enough to trouble the batter, on off, Bracwell stands tall and pummels it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Hurls it on the fuller side, on middle, Michael Bracewell swipes it to the right of deep square leg. Shreyas Iyer gets around to his right and mops it up. Two runs taken.

Angling into the right-hander, on middle and leg, on a nagging length, Daryl Mitchell swings for a hoick across the line. Gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball lobs and drops on the leg side for one.

Leg bye! On a back of a length, on the pads, Bracewell has a swipe across the line but misses. The ball goes under the bat to hit the pads. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls off the pads in front of backward point.

Begins on a good length from over the wicket, on middle, Michael Bracewell pushes it to mid off.

Surprisingly, this pitch has offered the least turn of all games played here so far. The numbers back it up, just 2 degrees of average turn today, significantly lower than what we've seen in previous matches here. With that said, Mohammad Shami comes back into the attack.

Back to bowling it flat and short, on middle, Michael Bracewell knocks it down to long on for a single.

Serves the googly now, on off, on a length, Michael Bracewell lunges to smother the spin. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

FOUR! Good hit! A boundary after 65 balls for New Zealand. Tossed up, full and on the pads, Michael Bracewell gets down on a knee and nails the slog sweep. Hits it through square leg for a boundary.

Shorter and slower, on middle, Michael Bracewell presses back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Leg bye! Fired at the pads, on the fuller side, Daryl Mitchell goes for the sweep. Gets it off the pads towards short fine leg for a leg bye.

Floated up, it is the googly, wide on off, Daryl Mitchell reaches out in and pats it to cover.

Going across, on a length, Michael Bracewell eases it out to backward point.

FIFTY FOR MITCHELL! The slowest half-century of his ODI career in 91 balls but he holds the key for New Zealand if they are to get to a good total. Looped up, very full, on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it wide of cover for a single to get to his milestone.

Slows it down and drags the length back, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets forward to stab it down.

Wide! Drifts it down leg, on a nagging length, Daryl Mitchell walks inside the line but misses the tickle.

Halt! Varun Chakaravarthy seems to have hurt his right foot while attempting to stop the previous ball. He looks a bit uncomfortable, and the physio is out for a quick check. He looks fine for now as he receives some treatment and strapping from the physio. A slight scare, but he seems ready to continue.

Fired in, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell gets behind the line and hammers it down the deck. Varun sticks out his right boot to make the stop. Limps a bit after making the stop and wants the physio to have a look.

Keeps it outside off at 96.9 kph, on a nagging length, Daryl Mitchell gets forward to defend.

Floated up, on a nagging length, around off, Michael Bracewell has a hack across the line. Gets a leading edge that falls well in front of deep cover. They cross.

Varun Chakaravarthy (8-0-37-2) replaces Ravindra Jadeja.

Full, on middle, Michael Bracewell works it past mid-wicket for a single.

Short and on off, pushed to cover by Michael Bracewell.

Tossed up, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets inside the line and laps it down to deep fine leg for one.

Looped up, on off, reverse swept to backward point.

Had the throw hit, Michael Bracewell was gone! This is the googly, short and on off, Michael Bracewell presses back and steers it to the left of backward point. The batters try to sneak in a quick single but Bracewell and Mitchell almost run into each other. As a result, Bracewell has to run around his partner and is struggling to make his ground at the bowling end. Ravindra Jadeja fires it in at the bowling end but misses. Kuldeep Yadav is caught ball-watching and does not get behind the stumps. Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli give Kuldeep an earful for that.

Drops it short, around the off stump, Michael Bracewell pushes it back to Kuldeep.

Time for Powerplay 3! India are now allowed 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the rest of the innings.

Too full again, quicker on the stumps, flicked off the front foot to mid-wicket. Ravindra Jadeja finishes off a breathless spell of bowling. His figures read 10-0-30-1.

Very full and on middle, Michael Bracewell flicks it along the ground and with the spin to deep mid-wicket. One taken.

Length-delivery, angling on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell punches it past Jadeja to his right for a single at long on.

At 99.3 kph, full and on off, knocked back to Jadeja by Michael Bracewell.

A yard behind fuller length, spinning back on the pads, Michael Bracewell tucks it across to deep backward square leg for one.

Fuller and around off, Daryl Mitchell drives off the front foot to deep point for a single.

Full again, on the leg stump line, Daryl Mitchell flicks it behind square to the square leg region for a single.

Floats it up, at 83.4 kph, on middle and off, Michael Bracewell gets forward and turns it away to deep square leg for a single.

Full, on the stumps, spinning gently away, Michael Bracewell manages to keep it out to the point region.

Floated fuller and on off, pushed back to the bowler.

BEATEN! Wrong'un, full and just outside off, Michael Bracewell does not read the googly off Kuldeep's hands and goes for a cover drive. Plays over the line and is beaten on the inside edge.

Slowish through the air, full and on the pads, this is clipped to deep square leg for a single.

JAFFA! Length ball, on the fifth stump line, Michael Bracewell goes for a flashy drive through the off side, but misses on the outside edge.

Michael Bracewell comes in at number 7.

OUT! THROUGH THE GATES! BOWLED'EM! What a tournament Varun Chakaravarthy is having! Gets his second wicket and snags a big fish! Bowls the googly from over the stumps and gets the ball to drift into the batter, on a flatter trajectory. The line of attack is in front of the stumps on a fractional fuller length, with the ball skidding on quickly. Glenn Phillips tries to access the cut shot but misses and plays over the wrong line. The ball sneaks between the bat and pad to break the stumps. Phillips falls for 34 (52). The 57-run stand is broken. New Zealand are 165/5 now.

Pitched up, full and on off, Glenn Phillips punches it off the back foot to the off side.

Back of a length, just around off, skidding through quickly, Glenn Phillips is quick to get on the back foot and cuts it to the left of backward point. Scampers back for the second run as the throw comes in towards the bowler.

On middle, and full in length, Glenn Phillips plays off the back foot and eases it straight to the bowler.

Drags the length, outside off, Glenn Phillips slaps the ball through cover and point for a couple of quick runs.

Short of a good length, outside off, Glenn Phillips rocks back and cuts it to the deep point region for a single.

Flatter and fuller, outside off, carved out on the bounce to the point fielder.

Fuller and quicker, on middle, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it along the ground to deep square leg. Gets one.

Floated up, fuller and on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it wide of the man at 45 for a couple of runs. The 50-run stand comes up between these two for the fifth wicket!

Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell leans on it and drives it inside out to cover.

Good length, on the pads, punched down to long on for one.

DRINKS BREAK! India have applied the spin squeeze in the middle overs, just as they have all tournament. The boundaries have dried up, and all four spinners have been spot on with their lines and lengths, building pressure with a heap of dot balls. However, they haven't helped their cause in the field, with Rachin Ravindra dropped twice earlier, and now one chance going down against both Phillips and Mitchell. Glenn Phillips has managed to find a couple of boundaries since arriving at the crease and has tried to be busy. Daryl Mitchell is still searching for fluency but having faced 76 balls, he must hang in there, pick the right moment, and time his acceleration wisely to make his start count.

DROPPED AGAIN! Shubman Gill is the culprit and another chance goes begging! Nagging length, on middle, Glenn Phillips backs away and tries to pull it aerially but gets the connection off the toe-end of the bat. Ends up hitting it flat and towards the deep square leg region. Shubman Gill stationed in the deep, runs across to his left and dives low to catch as the ball dips on him. Shells it in the end. Ravindra Jadeja is not happy as he thinks that it should have been caught. But fairly, a difficult chance. The batters rotate their strike in the meantime.

Tossed up at 93.4 kph, on a fuller length, around off, Daryl Mitchell lunges forward and drives it down to long off for a single.

Fuller and quicker, on middle, hit back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on middle, pushed to mid-wicket.

Good length, on the middle and leg, glanced away to deep square leg. One taken.

Back of a length, outside off, punched to cover.

On off and Mitchell plays it off the back foot to the right of the bowler.

PUT DOWN! Just tipped over by the Indian skipper! A yard shorter than the fuller length, on off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and tries to pull it over short mid-wicket, but hits it off the toe-end of the bat. Rohit Sharma leaps in the air and sticks his right hand over his shoulder to pluck it out of thin air. Gets his fingertips to it but parries it behind to the deep. A couple of runs taken.

Angling on the stumps, on a good length, Glenn Phillips drags it down to long on for one more.

A round-arm delivery, on that in-between length, outside off, worked through covers for one. The 150 is up for New Zealand!

Into the blockhole, on middle, carved out to cover by Daryl Mitchell.

Pitched on a good length, on off, Daryl punches it to the right of the bowler.

Change? No, Axar Patel is back on the field and he will continue.

Quicker, flatter, and around leg. Phillips tucks it off the inside half of the bat to mid-wicket. Rushing through the overs very quickly, is Ravindra Jadeja.

Slows it up a bit, does Jadeja, on top of off, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Axar Patel is off the field for the moment, seemingly dealing with an issue on his bowling hand. He is grimacing in pain as the physio examines his fingertips on the sidelines.

Back of a length, just outside off, Glenn Phillips plays off the back foot and gets it past cover for a single.

Drag-downer on middle, tucked across to mid-wicket by GP.

Outside off, on a good length, cut away off the back foot to point.

On leg, on a length, stabbed back to the bowler.

Fuller and slightly outside off, Glenn Phillips gets on the front foot and drives to deep cover for a single to end the over.

Arm ball, sliding into the middle stump line, on a length, Glenn Phillips plays it off the back foot. Gets a bit of an inside edge that rolls to the square leg region.

Short of a good length, outside off, DM punches it past point for a single.

Quicker and flatter on off, Glenn Phillips uses the depth of the crease to punch it towards deep cover. Milks another single.

Drags the length, does Axar, on off, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

Too full and on off, driven straight to Kohli at cover.

Can't get it through. Back of a length, on off, Glenn Phillips backs away and punches it to cover.

Length, on the stumps, defended out.

FOUR! He has been a busy player, has Glenn Phillips! Short in length, sliding on the pads, Glenn Phillips allows the ball to come at him and pulls it along the ground. The ball beats the diving Shubman Gill at deep square leg to his right for a boundary.

Fuller and on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell pushes it off the inner half of the bat to the mid-wicket region for a quick single.

Length, on off, worked off the back foot to mid off.

In front of the stumps, on a length, Daryl blocks it off the back foot.

Flat and quick, on middle, and full in length. Glenn Phillips charges down the track and steers it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nice and full, on middle, Phillips leans on it and defends it straight.

Slides in with the arm, on a shortish length, on top of the stumps, Glenn Phillips backs away and punches it through cover and mid off for a single.

Length ball, on middle, punched across to mid on.

Dragged length, around off, Glenn Phillips backs away and punches it to pierce the gap. But Kohli swiftly moves to his left from cover and stops it.

WIDE! Down leg on a length. GP misses to glance it away. Wide called.

Axar Patel is back on. Around the stumps, length, on off, punched off the back foot to cover. Virat Kohli makes a solid diving stop to his left.

Goes back to the fuller length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive it straight but gets it off the inner half of the bat, down the deck.

Drops it very short does Jadeja, on middle, Daryl Mitchell slips on a knee and sweeps it firmly to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Quicker, full and just around off, GP opens the bat face and pushes it to point.

Full and on the pads, Glenn Phillips nudges it to deep square leg for one.

At 93.8 kph, Jadeja goes full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell lunges to tuck it to the right of long on for a single.

Sliding on with the arm, full and just outside off, Mitchell taps it to cover.

Full and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips blocks it out.

Full, on middle, Glenn Phillips tucks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Nicely done! Glenn Phillips has started to inject back some momentum into this Kiwi inning. Kuldeeps drags the length down and keeps it just outside off, Glenn Phillips rocks back to make room and punches it through the gap at cover-point for a boundary.

A leggie, on a length, on middle and off, Glenn Phillips makes some room and hits it to cover.

Better line and length. Full and around off, Glenn Phillips taps it to cover.

Drops it very short and on middle, allowing ample time for Daryl Mitchell to rock back and pull. He hits it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Quicker one, full and at the stumps, Phillips tucks it to mid-wicket.

Coming on with the arm, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips looks to flick but gets an inside edge that lobs off his pads well in front of backward point.

Tossed up, on off, Glenn Phillips cuts it past backward point to his left for a couple of easy runs.

Skidding through, full and at the stumps, GP goes back to keep it out.

Full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell angles the bat face a bit and pushes it inside out to deep cover for a single.

Pushed through, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell guides it to point.

SIX! WHAT A HIT! Glenn Phillips stands tall, picks his spot, and absolutely hammers this full ball, straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie. A boundary after 81 deliveries!

Short and on off, Glenn Phillips pushes it to cover.

A tad short of a length, around off, GP waits back and steers it to short third.

Drops it short and on middle, Glenn Phillips rocks back and plays it to mid-wicket.

Keeps it very tight, on a nagging length, around middle and leg, the ball skids through a bit and Glenn Phillips does well to keep it out.

Loopy delivery to begin with, full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell drives it to long off for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav (4-0-13-2) is back on. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.

Full, on off, Daryl Mitchell works it to long off and picks up a single.

Drags the length down considerably, on middle, Glenn Phillips punches it past the bowler to his left for one.

Full, on middle and leg, clipped straight to short mid-wicket.

Glenn Phillips is not happy with something near the sightscreen and is gesturing for someone to get it out of his sight. All good to continue now.

Tossed up, on off, Glenn Phillips keeps it out.

Drops it short and angles it into the stumps, Glenn Phillips knocks it to short cover.

Jadeja bowls it full, on the pads, Glenn Phillips tucks it to mid-wicket.

Quicker one, full and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell leans ahead and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Full, around off, Glenn Phillips pushes it to deep point for one. 4 singles on the trot!

Continues to keep it full, on middle and off, Daryl Mitchell works it past the bowler to his right for a single.

Flighted full, on off, Glenn Phillips drills it to long off for a single.

A bit slower, full and on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell taps it to long on for one.

Floated full, on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it back to the bowler.

Fired in at 93.2 kph, full and just outside off, GP drives it to short cover.

Tossed up, on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it past cover for a single.

Jadeja keeps it tight, on off, a bit fuller in length, Glenn Phillips pushes it to long off and picks up a single to get off the mark.

Full, at the stumps, Glenn Phillips blocks the first one well.

Glenn Phillips is the new batter in for New Zealand.

OUT! LBW! A huge shout again and up goes the finger. Tom Latham, after a chat with Daryl Mitchell, decides to review this. Ravindra Jadeja tosses this one full, on middle, Tom Latham plants his front leg out and looks for a big sweep across and misses to get hit right in front of the stumps, on the front pad. The UltraEdge shows no spike and the Ball Tracking comes up to be three reds with the ball crashing into the off stump. New Zealand lose their 4th wicket and also lose a review along with it. Tom Latham departs for 14 (30). Both times, he has fallen prey to Jadeja playing the sweep shots. In the league match, he got out trying to execute the reverse, and now, he misses playing the conventional sweep shot.

Comes from around the wicket and goes full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell works it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike over.

Attacks the stumps, on a fuller length, Tom Latham taps it back to Varun Chakaravarthy.

Lopped full, on off, Daryl Mitchell eases the drive to deep cover for a single.

Varun fires a full toss in, at 112.8 kph, Daryl Mitchell works it to the left of the bowler who slides to make a sharp stop.

Full, just outside off, Mitchell drives it back to the bowler.

Full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell reverse sweeps it past Kuldeep Yadav at short third for a couple of runs.

Daryl Mitchell gets himself in a big tangle this time! Full and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell gives the ball a charge but fails to read the pace of it and looks to flick. His head falls over and he misses.

Quicker one, full and on off, Tom Latham clips it to mid-wicket.

Full and outside off, Tom punches it back to the bowler.

A very confident appeal for LBW but is turned down by the umpire. After a prolonged chat with the bowler and the keeper, Rohit Sharma decides to challenge it. This is bowled quicker, a bit short and on off, tuning back in a bit. Tom Latham plants his front leg out and looks to tuck it across but misses to get hit on the back pad. The UltraEdge shows no spike and the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be going over the stumps. India lose a review. KL Rahul was suggesting the height could be an issue, but Rohit Sharma felt it was a chance to be taken.

Jadeja fires it in, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it to long on for a single.

Full and on off, Tom drives it firmly to deep cover for a single.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Tom Latham drives it to mid off.

Pushed through, nice and full, on middle and off, Daryl Mitchell nudges it to cover. Just a single off this over.

A bit of flight here, on off, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it straight to backward square leg.

Comes from over the wicket and serves it full, outside off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it back to the bowler.

Pulls the length back by a bit, on middle and off, Tom knocks it to long on for one.

Full, outisde off, Tom Latham prods out and angles it to point.

An appeal for LBW but is turned down. Looked like it was going down leg. Varun Chakaravarthy fires this one in from wider on the crease, full and on leg, Tom Latham is beaten for pace as he looks to push it out and gets hit low on the boot.

Short again but a bit wide this time, Latham cuts it along the ground to deep point for a single.

Going across, on the shorter side, Tom guides it off the back foot to backward point.

Attacking the stumps, a bit fuller, Tom Latham pushes it back to Jadeja.

Fired across, on a nagging length, Tom Latham looks to punch it away. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

100 up for New Zealand! Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it to long off and gets to the other end.

Darted in first up, on a nagging length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

Ravindra Jadeja is introduced into the attack now. Replaces Axar Patel!

From over the wicket for the right-hander, on off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell gets his hands out in front and eases it wide of cover for a quick single.

This is short and outside off, Latham rides the bounce and punches it to deep point for a single.

Flicked from the back of the hand, on off, on a length, Tom Latham covers the line and smothers the spin.

Attacking the front pad, on a length, blocked out with a straight bat by Tom.

Bowled from wide of the crease, fuller and spinning away, on off, Tom gets ahead to block it with soft hands. Gets an outside edge that dribbles past Rohit Sharma at first slip. Ravindra Jadeja at short third gives it a chase and cuts it off but the batters sneak in two runs.

Varun Chakaravarthy comes back into the attack. From around the wicket, short and turning away from the left-hander, Tom rocks back and defends.

Slower through the air, on off, Tom Latham gets on the front foot and guides it in front of point for a single.

Beaten! Pushed across the left-hander, on a length, Tom Latham presses ahead to defend but the ball goes on with the arm to beat the bat. 27 balls since the last boundary!

Direct hit! Axar spears it in, short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes on the back foot and tucks it wide of mid-wicket. Rohit Sharma is quick to his right and picks it up cleanly. Fires in a throw at the bowling end but Mitchell makes his ground with a good stretch.

Is that run out? Rohit Sharma scores a direct hit at the bowling end and the umpire deems it NOT OUT straight away. What sharp eyes from Paul Reiffel! No need for the third umpire! He’s spotted it instantly. The replays confirm his call was spot on!

Going across the left-hander, on the shorter side, Latham waits on the back foot and steers it wide of backward point for a single.

Keeps it full, on off, driven down to long off for one more.

At 82.9 kph, floated up, on the pads, Latham works it to deep backward square leg and crosses over.

On the off stump line, flighted delivery, Daryl Mitchell gets inside the line and laps it wide of deep fine leg for a brace.

Offers flight, full and on off, Latham eases the drive to long off and crosses over.

The length is pulled back now, on middle, Daryl Mitchell presses back to nudge it away wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Slows it down again, on off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell shapes up for the reverse but he is a bit early into the shot. The ball deflects the back of the bat and hits him on the body.

Beaten! The pace comes down to 80.5 kph and it is another googly, turning away from the right-hander, Daryl Mitchell leans ahead to play it down the ground but gets beaten on the outside edge.

From over the wicket to the left-hander, Kuldeep serves a googly, short and on off, Latham rocks back and punches it with a straight bat to long on for one.

On a nagging length, on off, Latham stands tall and punches it to long on for a single.

Continues to keep the stumps in play, fuller in length, Tom Latham pushes it back to Axar.

This slides across the left-hander, on a length, Latham presents a straight bat. Gets it off the outer half to short third.

At 90.8 kph, full and straight, at the stumps, Daryl knocks it down to long on for a single.

Holds the line around the off stump, on the shorter side, Daryl Mitchell covers the line and defends.

Coming on with the arm from around the wicket, on a nagging length, Mitchell pats it back to Axar.

Drinks! After a solid start, New Zealand have suddenly found themselves in trouble, losing three big wickets in quick succession, handing India a crucial advantage heading into the middle overs. This is where India’s spinners thrive, and they’ll be eager to tighten the screws even further. Despite the early blows, the Kiwis still have a platform to rebuild, thanks to their openers. They’ll need a steady partnership now to weather the storm and adjust to the pace of the wicket. On the other hand, India will stay on the attack, knowing that one or two more breakthroughs could tilt this final heavily in their favour. The next phase of play is crucial for both teams!

Another googly, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell plays it with a straight bat to long off for a single.

Out comes the googly but the batter picks it, on middle, on a nagging length, Mitchell blocks it out with his bat out in front.

Looped up, slower and fuller, on middle, Daryl Mitchell turns it with the spin to mid-wicket.

This goes straight on, shorter and quicker, on off, Daryl Mitchell goes on the back foot and punches it back to Kuldeep.

At 83.1 kph, going across, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets forward to stab it down on the off side.

Drops it short, on off, Tom Latham rocks back and punches it through mid on for a single.

Pushed through this time a bit quicker and shorter, on the pads, Daryl Mitchell goes on the back foot to nudge it to mid-wicket.

Full and on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it to the left of the bowler.

Flat and short, on middle, clipped to mid-wicket off the back foot.

Keeps it full and straight, on middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Not in complete control but in the gap! Tossed up, full and at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell reaches out in front. Gets nice and low for the sweep but still gets a top edge that gets skied but evades the deep square leg fielder to his left for a boundary.

At 89.3 kph, sliding on with the arm, on off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out with a straight bat.

Tossed up, on off, driven past cover for a single by Daryl Mitchell.

More loop on this one and the length stays full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell leans ahead and smothers the spin.

Looped up, full and at the stumps, blocked out solidly by Mitchell.

Full and on off, Latham works it down to long on with a single and gets off the mark.

Tom Latham walks out to bat at number 5 for New Zealand.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Kuldeep Yadav is on a roll here! From 69/1, New Zealand have slipped to 75/3. Floated up by Kuldeep from over the wicket, on off, on a length, Kane Williamson plants his front foot across and gets his bat in front of the front pad. Tries to play it with the turn but the ball stops a bit on him. Ends up chipping it tamely to the right of Kuldeep, who makes no mistake. Kane Williamson departs for 11 (14) and New Zealand are in trouble.

Drops it short, around off, Kane stays back and pushes it to cover.

Hangs it up there, on the fuller side, on off, Kane pushes it down to long off for one more.

A bit quicker this time, on off, on a length, played back to the bowler.

This is even slower and bowled from wide of the crease, full and on off, Mitchell eases the drive past the diving Axar to his left for a single.

Slower through the air, on a nagging length, DM defends with his bat close to the front pad.

Speared in, on off, Daryl Mitchell reaches out in front to defend.

Starts from around the wicket and darts it into the right-hander, on middle, on a length, Daryl Mitchell lunges to drive it down the ground. The ball slides on to catch the inside edge and rolls to short fine leg.

Axar Patel comes into the attack, replacing Varun Chakaravarthy.

At 87.7 kph, on off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell knocks it down to long off with a straight bat for a single.

Drags the length back now, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets his hands out in front and blocks it out.

Floated up, fuller and at the stumps, Kane Williamson is a bit early into the drive. Chips a bit but well wide of the bowler to his right for one.

Slower through the air, around leg, Daryl Mitchell gets inside the line and laps it wide of short fine leg for a single to get off the mark.

This is pushed across, on a nagging length, Daryl stays back and pushes it to cover.

Wide! Turning down leg, fuller in length, Daryl Mitchell fails to help it away. Wide given.

Daryl Mitchell walks in at number 4 for New Zealand.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Kuldeep Yadav strikes with his first ball of the final! Starts from over the wicket and dishes out a googly, on the shorter side, Rachin stays on the back foot to deal with it but fails to pick the googly from the hand. The ball lands and spins back into the left-hander. Sneaks past the inside edge, brushes the back pad and goes through the gap between the bat and the pad to shatter the stumps. Rachin Ravindra departs for a well-made 37 (29) and New Zealand are 69/2.

End of Powerplay 1! A solid start for New Zealand. With four fielders now allowed outside the 30-yard circle, we could see spin from both ends straight away and right on cue. Kuldeep Yadav comes on to bowl.

On a dragged length, on middle, Kane Williamson gets on the back foot and nudges it with soft hands. Gets a couple of quick runs as the fielder from deep square leg mops it up to his left.

A low full toss on the stumps, worked straight to mid on.

Tossed up, fuller and around off, Rachin Ravindra drives it along the ground to widish long off for a single.

An in-drifter on middle, full in length, Kane Williamson leans and clips it to the left of short fine leg for a single.

Pitched full and on the stumps, worked wide of mid on for a quick single.

86.9 kph, full and outside off, spinning away. Rachin is beaten on the outside edge as he spreads across to push it to the off side.

BEATEN! On a hard length, deviating away from off, Kane Williamson leans back to punch through the covers, but misses.

Touch fuller and on off, Kane Williamson opens the bat face late and guides it to the gully region.

Around off, on a length, played off the back foot to backward point.

FOUR! Quality! Seam-up delivery from Shami, on a back of a length, just outside off, Kane Williamson rises with the bounce, and punches it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Length around off, Rachin Ravindra pushes with an angled bat to deep point for one.

Back of a length, outside off, sliced away to deep third for a single.

Serves the googly, attacking the front pad, on a length, Kane Williamson defends a bit outside the line with a straight bat. Ekes out an inside edge that rolls wide of short fine leg for a single.

Kane Williamson walks in at number 3.

OUT! LBW! Given out on the appeal and Will Young walks off after chatting a bit with Rachin Ravindra. Varun Chakaravarthy darts it in, very quick and very full, right in front of the stumps. Will Young is a bit late on the shot as he looks to flick and also gets across as the ball drifts into the batter. Misses to get any bat on it and the ball beats the inside edge before pinging on the front pad. Actually, the bat crashed on his front foot and hence, didn't get in the line of the ball. Will Young departs on 15 (23), and New Zealand are 57/1.

An appeal for LBW, but not given. The appeal too, dies down sooner. Full and flat, on off, Will Young misses to sweep and is pinned on the front pad. Impact possibly outside off.

Length-delivery, on the stumps, Rachin whips it away at deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full and outside off. Rachin leans on it and drives through covers for two more.

CHANCE CREATED, DROPPED! Shreyas Iyer shells one! Rachin Ravindra has been dropped twice in quick succession! Touch fuller in length, on the stumps, Rachin Ravindra slogs it aerially but mistimes it towards the deep mid-wicket region. Shreyas Iyer from deep square leg puts the hard yards to his right, but slows down a bit to judge the catch, puts in a dive, stretches his hands out, but grasses it while tumbling over. Two taken.

WIDE! An appeal for caught behind and up goes the finger. Rachin Ravindra however, reviews it straightaway! Varun Chakaravarthy pushes it to the leg stump line and darts it on the fullish length, Rachin Ravindra sits down on his knee and looks to sweep it away, but is beaten by the pace. The ball passes very close to the bat and the gloves. A good reaction grab by KL Rahul behind the stumps. He appeals and it is given out. UltraEdge shows no spike as the ball goes past the bat and the gloves. The onfield call of OUT is asked to be overturned to NOT OUT and it is deemed as a Wide.

Mohammad Shami is heading off the field to receive further treatment on his left hand.

FOUR! 50 IS UP FOR NEW ZEALAND! And it has come at a really good rate! Short from Shami, on top of middle and leg, Will Young stands tall, and pins the pull shot between mid-wicket and mid on, along the ground for a boundary.

Straighter and fuller, on the stumps, blocked off nicely by Young.

Back of a length, skidding through very quickly on middle, this is stabbed away to cover by Young.

Halt! Mohammad Shami seems to have cut the little finger on his left hand while attempting the catch, and the physio is out to assess him. Shami is getting that hand strapped up. He is ready to resume.

PUT DOWN! Shami straightaway calls the physio! Fuller and on the stumps, Rachin Ravindra chips it straight towards the bowler in the air. Mohammad Shami tries to snaffle it on his follow-through over his left shoulder, with a reverse cup. He loses sight of the ball as he gets both his hands right in front of his eyes, and the ball gets parried away off his fingers to the mid on region for a single. Rohit Sharma looks a bit disappointed there.

An appeal for LBW, but not entertained by the umpire Richard Illingworth. Height probably? Rohit Sharma thinks for a bit, and chats with Hardik Pandya on the way, but decides not to opt for a review. On a good length, skidding through on middle, Rachin Ravindra goes for the pull shot, but picks the wrong length and is beaten on the inside edge, getting rapped on the body.

Bowls from a wider angle from around the stumps. Hits the hard length, angling on middle, Rachin Ravindra tucks it to mid on.

Fuller and on the legs, Will Young sweeps it a bit uppishly but it lands on the bounce towards Kuldeep Yadav at short fine leg.

Angling on the stumps, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra whips it across wide of mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

Length, on off, cut away to backward point.

Dropped fuller and on the stumps, Rachin Ravindra sweeps it to deep square leg. Shreyas Iyer from deep mid-wicket moves to his left and intercepts the ball. He almost goes over the ropes with the momentum, but lobs the ball before and saves two for his side.

Around the stumps and a slip in place. Flat, full and outside off. Rachin Ravindra opts out of the shot.

Good length, on middle and leg, worked across to deep square leg for a single.

FIVE WIDES! Beats the keeper and goes away! Flatter and quicker, but down leg, Will Young tries to work it across to the leg side, but misses. The keeper is a bit blinded by the batter and misses collecting the ball to his left. It races away to the deep fine leg fence.

Time for some early spin? Indeed. Varun Chakaravarthy has been introduced into the attack, replacing Hardik Pandya.

Angling onto the pads now, on a hard length, Will Young whips it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single. Another good over for New Zealand. 16 from the previous, and 11 from this one. 27 from the last two overs.

Very full, on off and middle, Young pats his front foot ahead and pushes it to mid on.

A yard behind fuller length, on off, driven through covers for a quick single.

EDGED AND FOUR! No third man and it races away! A flurry of boundaries for the Kiwis! Shami changes the angle and comes from around the wickets. Hits the hard length, on off, Rachin Ravindra brings the bat straight in front to block, but the ball nips away a shy bit and goes off the outside edge to deep third for a boundary.

FOUR! Rachin Ravindra is on a roll now! What a crafty wristwork that! Fuller and angling away on off from middle, Rachin Ravindra brings his bottom hand into play and flicks it gorgeously between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

Fuller and slightly outside off. Will Young hops on the back foot and taps it between backward point and short third for a quick run.

FOUR! And again! One bounce, over the ropes! Short again from Hardik, a bit too predictable, on the bodyline. Rachin Ravindra shapes up for the pull shot on the back foot and swings through. Clears the in-field over square leg for a boundary. 16 off the over.

WIDE! Down leg, too short. Rachin dodges away. Wide called.

FOUR! Power first, and elegance this time! Back of a length, offered outside off, Rachin Ravindra rides the bounce and cuts it past backward point for a boundary.

SIX! That is a genuinely good strike! The first six of the Finale! Hardik bangs it hard and short on the pitch, on off, Rachin Ravindra weighs on the back foot, shapes up well and belts it over deep mid-wicket for a cracking six.

Slants it on the pads, on a good length, Young glances it off the back foot to deep fine leg. Rotates the strike with a single.

Tails back in from off, on a length, Will Young brings his bat straight down and knocks it to mid on.

Wide outside off, full in length, Young leaves this harmless delivery.

Nice and full, on the stumps, Rachin respects it and blocks it on the pitch.

Quick call! Fuller and straighter, outside off, Young presses forward and pushes it to widish mid off and scoots to the other end. The fielder throws to the bowler's end but misses. A single taken, a bit risky though.

BEATEN! This one lands on a good length and nips back sharply into the right-hander. Will Young tries to play on the up to the off side but is beaten by the angle on the inside edge.

Goes fuller on the middle and leg, Will Young clips it along the ground to deep square leg. Hardik Pandya in the deep moves across to his left and restricts the batters to two.

Good length, around off, guided off the outer half of the bat to deep third for one.

Another fumble from Kohli, but no run taken! Length, across off, Rachin punches it on the front foot to short cover, where the ball evades Kohli, but Gill from mid off backs it up well to his right.

Jagging back into the right-hander, on a length, Will Young is taken aback by that extra bit of bounce and the ball deflects off his gloves, before rolling near the strip, to the off side. Good tidy over from Hardik Pandya.

Off the mark, is Rachin Ravindra! Hard length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets forward and punches it with soft hands to the cover region, and steals a quick single as Kohli fumbles a bit to pick that on his left. Good coordination between the two batters.

Nipping back into the batter, on a length, on middle, Rachin Ravindra punches it to mid off.

Back of a length, on top of off, Rachin watches it closely and plays it close to the body getting half-forward. Defends it out.

On the stumps, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra gets right behind it and taps it out to the off side.

Corrects the line now, full and across off, Rachin Ravindra offers no shot at it.

WIDE! Pandya starts off with a loosener! Swinging down the leg stump line, Rachin misses to flick. Wide called.

Hardik Pandya will take the other new ball from the opposite end. Pandya will start from over the wicket and has a slip in place.

FOUR! New Zealand and Will Young are underway in the finale! A controlled cut! Shami offers some width, shaping away from off, on a good length. Will Young waits for it, weighing on the back foot and places it between cover and point for a boundary. 4/0 are NZ after the first over.

Hits the deck hard does Shami, at 136 kph, just outside off, Will Young responds with a solid back foot punch to the cover-point region.

On the pads now, on a hard length, Young tries to nudge it across into the leg side, but misses and gets rapped on the thigh pad.

Gentle outswinger on off, full in length, Young gets on the front foot and pushes it firmly to mid off.

Another one that shapes away from outside off, touch fuller in length, Will Young checks the delivery before leaving it alone.

BEATEN! Shami begins on the money and beats the bat's edge straightaway! Accurate seam position, swinging away from off, on a length, Will Young gets on the front foot to block but plays inside the line and the ball whistles past the outside edge.

The anthems are done, the wait is over, and the stage is set. Countless hours of hard work and preparation have led to this very moment. The stands are awash with blue, as one would expect, but the Kiwi fans, though outnumbered, will be eager to make their voices heard and rally behind their team. Rohit Sharma leads his troops out to the centre. Out walk the two openers of New Zealand, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra. Mohammad Shami will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for the Men in Blue. Shami to Young first up. A slip in place. Let the battle begin!

The giant flags of both nations have been rolled out, and it's time for the national anthems before the start of the grand finale. The match officials lead the way, followed by Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner, who march their respective teams out for this momentous occasion. It will be New Zealand's national anthem first, followed by that of India.

The captain of India, Rohit Sharma, says that they don't mind batting second here as they have batted first and bowled first previously in these conditions. Says they have chased well in the previous game and adds that at the end of the day, all that matters is how well they play and are not worrying too much about the result. Expects the boys to play good cricket. Admits that New Zealand has been a good team in recent times and says they have done well in the ICC tournaments. Says the challenge for them is to play well against them and concludes by informing that they are going with the same side.

Mitchell Santner, the skipper of New Zealand says it looks like a very good wicket, and they will look to add runs on the board and see how it goes. Mentions it's a big occasion and they are ready for the challenge. Says that having played a game here already gives them a fair idea and is different to what they got in Pakistan, but they want to get runs on the board and then hope for the pitch to slow down. Mentions that different guys have stepped up at different times and this is going to be a good game. Informs that Matt Henry misses out due to the injury and Nathan Smith comes in place for him.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith (In for Matt Henry), Kyle Jamieson, Will O'Rourke.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

TOSS - Mitchell Santner calls it correctly and New Zealand have opted to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Ramiz Raja is near the deck. He starts by saying that it is a bit warm today and there is also a bit of cloud cover. Mentions that the square boundaries are equidistant at 66 meters, while the straight hit is a solid 76 meters. Aaron Finch joins him and says that the surface looks extremely dry. Tells that this is the same surface which was used for the India-Pakistan clash. Reckons that winning the toss and batting first seems the way to go, as it will only get harder to bat as the game progresses. Feels that as an opener, the ball could skid on areas without grass, making stroke play tricky early on.

Visuals from the Kiwi camp show Matt Henry undergoing a fitness test, and it doesn’t look promising. The pacer appears to be wincing after every delivery. After completing the test, he looks distraught and receives a consoling pat on the back from New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram. This could be a massive blow to the Black Caps ahead of the final.

On paper, both teams look evenly matched, with similar strengths in batting depth, all-rounders, and spin options. However, India’s slight advantage in familiarity with the conditions tilts the scales marginally in their favour. But this is a final, and nothing tests a team like the pressure of the big stage. New Zealand has been India’s nemesis in ICC tournaments before, and they will be eager to stamp their authority once again. Meanwhile, India, having been in this position multiple times, will know exactly what to expect and how to counter the nerves. The last time these two sides met in a Champions Trophy final was way back in 2000 when New Zealand got the better of India. Can they reclaim the trophy after 25 years? Or will India win back-to-back ICC white-ball titles and solidify their dominance? It’s all on the line, and the anticipation has reached a fever pitch! Stay tuned, as the all-important toss and team news are just moments away!

A major strength of this New Zealand side is their right-left batting combinations, which have troubled opposition bowlers throughout the tournament. But if batting has been rock-solid, it’s their lethal pace attack that has truly unsettled teams. Matt Henry has been their spearhead, but concerns over his injury could be a major blow. If unavailable, it will put even more responsibility on the likes of Will O'Rourke and also Mitchell Santner, who will lead the spin attack in conditions that could favour slower bowlers.

Standing in India’s way is a New Zealand side that has been exceptional throughout the tournament. Their only defeat came against India at this very venue, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that the Kiwis always bounce back stronger. New Zealand’s batting unit is formidable, led by the explosive Rachin Ravindra, who has been a revelation at the top. The ever-reliable Kane Williamson, who has been at the heart of many big-game battles, will bring his trademark composure and class to this final. Their middle order packs a punch, with Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips, all of whom have delivered in pressure situations.

While much of the focus has been on Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin, credit must also go to the rest of India's bowling attack, which has provided exceptional support. With four quality spinners in their arsenal, India are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. Mohammad Shami, returning from injury, has grown stronger with every passing game and will be eager to make his mark on the grandest stage. India’s X-factor? The depth in both batting and bowling. With big-match players like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, who thrive under pressure, they will once again look to step up when it matters most.

India enters its third consecutive ICC white-ball event final in the last 17 months, and the confidence from their T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 will serve as a major boost. Having played all their matches at this very venue, India hold a slight advantage when it comes to understanding the conditions. Their performances have been all-round and clinical, but they know they are up against an opponent that has given them tough nights in ICC knockouts before. The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be key in setting the tone, providing the solid start that the in-form middle order can build upon. One of India's biggest strengths is their all-rounders, who have proven to be genuine match-winners.

The stage is set, the stakes are at their peak, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is about to reach its epic conclusion! After weeks of high-intensity cricket, two of the most consistent teams in ODI cricket will battle it out for the ultimate prize. It’s India vs New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium, a fitting venue for what promises to be a blockbuster finale. The world will be tuned in as these two cricketing powerhouses go toe-to-toe for glory. Fair to say, these two teams have been the most deserving finalists, both boasting remarkable consistency on the grandest stage of world cricket. With multiple ICC final appearances in recent years, they know exactly what it takes to handle the pressure of a championship clash. And make no mistake - neither side will give an inch!

... MATCH DAY ...

And then, there were two. Not the fiercest of rivals, but undoubtedly two of the most competitive teams on the field. You won’t find fiery sledges or heated banter here, just pure, unadulterated cricket at its finest. When these two stride out, you know you’re in for a display of skill, strategy, and sheer athleticism. These are two of the most consistent sides in ICC events in the recent past. Enough buildup? Maybe. But that’s exactly how the cricketing world feels right now. Two strong sides, mirror images of strength and determination, standing tall with everything on the line. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 FINALE is here. In the blue corner, India, a nation’s heartbeat, ready to fight for a billion hopes. In the black corner, New Zealand, the quiet giants, always elevating their game in the ICC events, are poised to challenge. Both teams are storming into the final on the back of semifinal masterclasses, sharpening their swords. Where India defeated their nemesis Australia, a commanding show was put on by New Zealand to get over South Africa. The Men in Blue have faced their fair share of battles against the Blackcaps in recent years, be it the heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, the sting of the 2021 WTC Final, or even the surprising 3-0 Test series loss at home. But when it comes to the big stage, records are just numbers. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have set the tone at the top, with Rohit itching to turn his steady 30s and 40s into another ICC century, something he’s done more than anyone else in history. Then there’s Virat Kohli, the chase master, who thrives in these high-pressure events. He’s just a few runs away from overtaking Chris Gayle as the highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history. Together, these two giants have been the backbone of India’s success in ICC events. And let’s not forget the middle order, which has been firing like a well-oiled machine. Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, all have stepped up when called upon. But the real game-changer has been India’s bowling unit. No Bumrah? No problem. Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin has left batters guessing, while Mohammed Shami has led the pace attack with precision and fire. Ravindra Jadeja has been India’s silent weapon. With 20 wickets, he’s the highest wicket-taker for India in Champions Trophy history. But New Zealand? They’re no strangers and have navigated this territory time and again. Their batting order is oozing confidence, thanks to the consistent brilliance of Rachin Ravindra and the ever-dependable Kane Williamson. Since bursting onto the scene, Rachin has been a revelation for the Kiwis, delivering all-round performances that have turned heads. With two stunning centuries in this tournament, he’s emerged as the most consistent batter on display. And then there’s Williamson, the heart and soul of New Zealand’s batting in ICC events. No Kiwi has scored more runs in ICC tournaments than him, and he’s once again proving why he’s one of the modern greats. Leading the side for the first time in any big competition, Mitchell Santner’s captainship is being admired more than his bowling, which has equally been threatening. Miser with the economy, Santner has picked up seven wickets, and he stands joint-third to Chakravarthy. But the real star with the ball for New Zealand has been Matt Henry. Topping the wicket-taking charts with 10 scalps, he’s been the backbone of their attack. And he’s not alone, young Will O’Rourke has stepped up brilliantly, providing crucial support in the pace department. When you peel back the layers, the similarities between these two sides are uncanny, it’s like watching two masterpieces unfold in perfect harmony. At the top of the order, Rohit Sharma’s explosive batting sets the tone for India, but Rachin Ravindra’s adaptability to slot in anywhere gives New Zealand the same dynamic edge. Virat Kohli’s timeless class and ability to thrive under pressure are mirrored by Kane Williamson’s serene yet devastating touch. Both are maestros, crafting innings that feel like poetry in motion. If there’s Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s flair, Will Young and Tom Latham are another class apart. In the field, Ravindra Jadeja’s athleticism and sharpness are world-class, but Glenn Phillips isn’t far behind, pulling off gravity-defying catches and saving crucial runs. Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance finds its match in Daryl Mitchell, who has repeatedly stepped up for the Kiwis with both bat and ball. And while Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin has left batters scratching their heads, Mitchell Santner’s subtle variations and control have been just as effective. With the ball, Mohammed Shami’s seam artistry has been a standout, but Matt Henry has been equally lethal, topping the wicket-taking charts with his precision and consistency. It’s hard to imagine two teams more evenly matched than these. The pitch? Remember the India-Pakistan game? Yep, that same surface will host this grand finale. Last time, 241 was the first-innings score, which tells you this isn’t going to be a high-scoring slugfest. It’s slow, it’s tricky, and it’s going to test the batters’ patience. Forget the big sixes and flashy strike rates, this is all about working the gaps, sprinting those singles, converting ones in twos, and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Both India and New Zealand have mastered the art of strike rotation, a mechanism that sets them apart and makes them perfectly suited for these conditions. Also, even with the ball. With the pitch likely to favor spin, India might lean on Kuldeep Yadav, who’s been in stellar form, along with Axar, Jadeja, and Varun as their other spinners, while New Zealand could stick with their three-spinner combo led by Santner. India has a marginal upper hand as they have played all their games in Dubai and have got enough rest time as well. New Zealand, on the other hand, may have some travel fatigue. Also, the last time these two sides met in the league match, in Dubai itself, India emerged victorious. That, too, was not a run-fest by any means. Can India avenge Nairobi’s upset? Or does New Zealand have their Cairns-Harris formula intact? Genuine cricketing fans would crack this in a snap. You know that feeling when your heart's in your throat and you're mentally negotiating with the cricket gods? Get ready for seven glorious hours of exactly that. New Zealand aims to break the deadlock of white-ball triumph in ICC events. Meanwhile, India is looking to rewrite its 50-over dominance. Add to this another twist, New Zealand has won two ICC championships to date - the Champions Trophy of 2000 and the ICC World Test Championship 2021. On both occasions, their opponent was India. That's enough for a teaser to the kind of weightage this clash holds. Sit back, and relax, a Sunday filled with a blend of emotions and patriotism awaits.