India is determined to break a 37-year-long spell without a win in a final against New Zealand when they meet in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. Despite entering the match as favorites after a dominant run of seven consecutive ODI victories, India faces a historical challenge. Their record in finals against New Zealand is poor, with their last victory dating back to 1988.
In major ICC senior event finals, New Zealand has defeated India on both occasions they have met. Overall, New Zealand holds a 3-1 lead over India in international cricket finals.
New Zealand’s first final win against India was in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Cup final (the former Champions Trophy), marking their only ICC white-ball final victory. They secured a narrow four-wicket win in that match.
More recently, New Zealand also triumphed over India in the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Adding to India’s woes, New Zealand defeated them in the final of a 2005 tri-series that included Zimbabwe.
India’s last final victory against New Zealand was in the 1988 Sharjah Cup final, where they won by 52 runs, highlighted by a strong all-round performance from Ravi Shastri.
A win for India in the upcoming final would not only end this 37-year drought but also mark their first-ever final victory against New Zealand in an ICC event.
Furthermore, it would establish India as the sole record holder for Champions Trophy titles. Currently, India shares the record with Australia, each having won the tournament twice (India in 2002 and 2013).
India has already defeated New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 group stage, successfully defending a target of 250, with Varun Chakravarthy taking five wickets.
New Zealand’s key to success in the final will be their ability to handle India’s strong spin attack. They demonstrated their batting strength in the semi-final against South Africa.
New Zealand will be aiming for their third consecutive ICC final win against India, hoping to continue their dominant streak.
