Key points
- They have not defeated the Kiwis in a cricket final since 1988
- They have faced off twice in ICC event finals, with New Zealand winning both
ISLAMABAD: India is aiming to break a 37-year-old curse as they face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.
India enter the match as the favourites, having won seven consecutive ODIs leading up to the final, according to NDTV Sports.
However, India has a poor record against New Zealand in tournament finals. They have not defeated the Kiwis in an international cricket final since 1988.
The two teams have met twice in the final of major senior ICC events, with New Zealand winning both times. Overall, the Black Caps lead India 3-1 in international cricket finals.
New Zealand’s first victory over India in a final came during the 2000 ICC KnockOut Cup final (the former name of the Champions Trophy), which remains the only time New Zealand has won an ICC white-ball final.
India’s four-wicket defeat
In that match, they defeated India by four wickets in a tightly contested game.
More recently, New Zealand triumphed over India in the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) final.
In addition, New Zealand also won the 2005 tri-series final against India, which included Zimbabwe.
The last time India defeated New Zealand in a final was in the 1988 Sharjah Cup, where India won by 52 runs, with former coach Ravi Shastri playing a key all-round role.
This means it has been 37 years since India last beat New Zealand in a final at the international cricket level.
First-ever victory
If India manages to win in this final, it will be their first-ever victory over New Zealand in an ICC event final, according to NDTV Sports.
It would also make India the sole record holders of the Champions Trophy, as they currently share the record with Australia, having won the title in 2002 and 2013.
India has already defeated New Zealand once in the Champions Trophy 2025, winning their Group A encounter. In that match, New Zealand fell short of chasing 250, as mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy claimed five wickets.
For New Zealand, the key to success in the final will be to tackle India’s four quality spinners. They displayed strong batting performance in their semi-final against South Africa.
