KKN Gurugram Desk | The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final between India and New Zealand is set to take place on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This isn’t the first time these two teams are meeting in a Champions Trophy final. The last time they faced off in the final was in 2000, where New Zealand defeated India.
After 25 years, Rohit Sharma’s team aims to take revenge and bring the trophy home. But before this high-stakes match, let’s analyze the Dubai pitch conditions, head-to-head records, and weather forecast.
IND vs NZ Final: How Will the Dubai Pitch Play?
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch has played a crucial role throughout the tournament, favoring spin bowlers and making batting challenging.
Key Features of the Dubai Pitch:
✅ Spin-Friendly: Spinners have dominated the games played here.
✅ Low Scoring Venue: Batsmen have struggled to post big totals.
✅ Chasing Advantage: Teams batting second have won more matches.
During the Champions Trophy 2025, only Team India managed to score the highest total at this venue. In the semifinal against Australia, India successfully chased down 265 runs, proving their strength in run chases.
Can India repeat the same performance against New Zealand in the final? Let’s take a closer look at past records.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: ODI Stats & Match Records
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total ODIs Played | 62 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 23 |
| Matches Won Chasing | 37 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 220 |
| Highest Team Score | 355/5 (England vs Pakistan, 2015) |
| Lowest Team Score | 91 (Namibia vs UAE, 2023) |
| Most Runs Scored | Richie Berrington (424 runs) |
| Most Centuries | Kevin Pietersen (2) |
| Most Fifties | Jatinder Singh (4) |
| Most Wickets Taken | Shahid Afridi (25 wickets) |
Why Toss Will Be Crucial?
- Teams chasing have won 37 out of 62 matches.
- India has a 9-0 unbeaten record at this stadium.
- Spinners play a dominant role, but pacers cannot be ignored.
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Record in Dubai
India holds a strong 9-0 record in Dubai, whereas New Zealand has struggled here.
| Team | Matches Played in Dubai | Wins | Losses | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
This statistically gives India an upper hand, but cricket is unpredictable, especially in a high-pressure final.
Can Spinners Dominate Again?
India has relied on their spin quartet in recent matches, and it has worked wonders.
- Varun Chakravarthy took 7 wickets in 2 matches.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have been crucial in middle overs.
- Axar Patel has maintained a tight economy rate.
Since the pitch favors spinners, India might continue with their spin-heavy attack in the final. However, fast bowlers could still make an impact with early breakthroughs.
Dubai Pitch Used in IND vs PAK Clash – A Good Sign for India?
The pitch being used for the IND vs NZ final was previously used in the India vs Pakistan group stage match.
✔ India dominated the game and won by 6 wickets.
✔ Spinners played a key role, restricting Pakistan to a low total.
✔ Indian batters handled the conditions well while chasing.
This could work in India’s favor, as they have already played on this pitch and understand its behavior well.
Weather Report for Dubai on Final Day
🌡️ Temperature: Expected to reach 32°C
💨 Humidity: Moderate
🌬️ Wind Speed: Light breeze
☀️ Rain Forecast: No chances of rain
The weather will remain clear and dry, making perfect conditions for a full 50-over game.
IND vs NZ Final: Predicted Playing XIs
India’s Probable XI:
1️⃣ Rohit Sharma (C)
2️⃣ Shubman Gill
3️⃣ Virat Kohli
4️⃣ Shreyas Iyer
5️⃣ KL Rahul (WK)
6️⃣ Hardik Pandya
7️⃣ Ravindra Jadeja
8️⃣ Kuldeep Yadav
9️⃣ Varun Chakravarthy
🔟 Mohammed Shami
1️⃣1️⃣ Arshdeep Singh
Key Players to Watch:
- Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma – India’s backbone in big matches.
- Varun Chakravarthy – In-form spinner who could trouble Kiwi batters.
- Hardik Pandya – All-round ability gives India an edge.
New Zealand’s Probable XI:
1️⃣ Kane Williamson (C)
2️⃣ Devon Conway
3️⃣ Tom Latham (WK)
4️⃣ Daryl Mitchell
5️⃣ Glenn Phillips
6️⃣ Michael Bracewell
7️⃣ Mitchell Santner
8️⃣ Matt Henry
9️⃣ Kyle Jamieson
🔟 Rachin Ravindra
1️⃣1️⃣ Will O’Rourke
Key Players to Watch:
- Kane Williamson – New Zealand’s best bet in a high-pressure match.
- Mitchell Santner – Can exploit spin-friendly conditions.
- Rachin Ravindra – X-factor with bat and ball.
Final Match Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand?
Why India Can Win?
✔ Unbeaten Record in Dubai (9-0).
✔ Experienced spin attack suited for the pitch.
✔ Better chasing record in the tournament.
✔ Confidence from the semifinal win against Australia.
Why New Zealand Can Win?
✔ Underestimated but capable of upsets.
✔ Strong spin attack with Santner & Ravindra.
✔ Kane Williamson’s leadership in crucial moments.
✔ New Zealand’s history of performing well in ICC finals.
🏆 Prediction: India holds a slight advantage based on form, but New Zealand is a dangerous team in ICC knockouts. Expect a thrilling contest!
🔹 Match Date: March 9, 2025
🔹 Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
🔹 Pitch: Spin-friendly, low-scoring, favors chasers
🔹 Weather: Clear, no rain expected
🔹 India’s Record in Dubai: 9 wins, 0 losses
🔹 New Zealand’s Record in Dubai: 2 losses, 1 no result
With India’s superior record at this venue and a strong spin attack, they start as favorites. However, New Zealand has a history of rising to the occasion in ICC finals.
Can Rohit Sharma’s Team India break their 2000 Champions Trophy final curse and claim victory? Or will Kane Williamson’s New Zealand pull off another upset?
Stay tuned for live updates, match highlights, and expert analysis! 🏏🔥
