Cricket has always been a game of high drama, rivalry, and unparalleled passion. Among the many intense rivalries in world cricket, one that has grown to define both heartbreak and hope for India is their ongoing battle with New Zealand in ICC tournaments. India has had its fair share of heartache at the hands of the Kiwis, but as the Champions Trophy 2025 final looms large, India has the perfect chance to get its revenge.
A Series of Heartbreaks: India’s Painful Recent Losses
India has been a dominant force in world cricket for years. Yet, they’ve faced some deeply painful defeats, many of which have been at the hands of New Zealand. Let’s start with one of the most crushing setbacks India suffered in recent memory—the Test series whitewash against New Zealand in 2022.
In 2022, New Zealand achieved something that no other team had done since 2012—sweeping India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil. This defeat was a historic blow, ending India’s dominance in home Test cricket. It was a stark reminder that no team, no matter how great, is immune to a downfall.
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Impact on World Test Championship (WTC): The loss not only damaged India’s reputation but also cost them a third consecutive spot in the WTC final.
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Previous Heartbreak in 2021: India’s previous loss to New Zealand in the 2021 WTC final only added to the bitterness. India had hoped to bounce back from that defeat, but the Kiwis had other plans.
These two heart-wrenching losses have been a constant reminder for Indian fans, fueling a desire for revenge against the Kiwis.
A New Opportunity for Revenge: The Champions Trophy Final
The stage is now set for the perfect opportunity. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Dubai offers India the chance to rewrite history and finally turn the tables on their fiercest ICC knockout rival.
This final comes after an exceptional run from both teams in the tournament, which has been played across Pakistan and the UAE. India and New Zealand have both proven to be the most balanced teams in the competition, and the stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion.
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India’s Dominance in Group Stages: India has been on fire, winning every match in the qualifying rounds.
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New Zealand’s Consistency: Similarly, New Zealand has showcased their strengths, proving its resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
But while the competition has been fierce, one thing stands out—New Zealand has become India's biggest nemesis in ICC tournament knockouts. India now has a chance to avenge their past losses and deny New Zealand their elusive ICC title.
The Kiwis’ Historic Near-Misses in ICC Tournaments
New Zealand’s cricketing history has been marked by persistent near-misses in ICC tournaments. Despite coming close on multiple occasions, they’ve never been able to secure a major white-ball ICC title, with their last win coming in the 2000 Champions Trophy, when they defeated India in the final (then known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy).
New Zealand's Near-Misses: A Legacy of Heartbreak
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2015 & 2019 Cricket World Cup Finals: New Zealand finished as runners-up in both the 2015 and 2019 ICC Cricket World Cups, losing in the final each time.
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2019 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final: New Zealand’s semi-final win over India in 2019 is one of the most painful moments in Indian cricket history, as the Kiwis knocked India out and proceeded to the final.
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2021 T20 World Cup: To add salt to the wound, New Zealand also defeated India in the Super 12 stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup, sending India packing from the tournament.
Despite these near-misses, New Zealand has remained a formidable opponent, especially against India, and their frustration at not winning an ICC title continues to grow. However, the 2025 Champions Trophy could finally provide them with an opportunity to break their 25-year title drought.
Key Players to Watch in the Final: Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner
New Zealand's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 is brimming with experience, and players like Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner have been crucial to their success. Both of these players bring significant experience playing against India, and they’ll be looking to use their knowledge to their advantage in the final.
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Kane Williamson: The New Zealand captain is known for his calm and composed approach in high-pressure situations. He has consistently performed against India and will be a key player in the final.
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Mitchell Santner: A left-arm spinner, Santner has had success against India in the past. His experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) makes him a player to watch, particularly in Dubai’s conditions.
These seasoned players have a deep understanding of Indian cricket and will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the final.
India's Key Players: Their Final ICC 50-Over Showdown
For India, the 2025 Champions Trophy final presents more than just a chance for revenge; it also marks a potential farewell to some of the game's most legendary players. This could very well be the last ICC 50-over tournament for players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami.
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Rohit Sharma: The explosive opener will be crucial in giving India a solid start. Known for his ability to score big in crucial games, Sharma will be vital in the final.
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Virat Kohli: Arguably one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, Kohli’s experience and ability to anchor innings will be key.
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Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder brings balance to the team, both with the ball and bat. His performance in big matches has been exceptional.
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Mohammed Shami: India’s pace spearhead will be crucial in breaking key partnerships and taking wickets at crucial stages.
This is likely their final opportunity to win an ICC title in the 50-over format, and India’s veterans are determined to make the most of it. A win in this final would not only fulfill their personal ambitions but also provide a fitting tribute to their illustrious careers.
India’s Remarkable Track Record: A Strong Claim for the Title
India has been on a remarkable run in ICC tournaments in recent years, consistently reaching the final stage. The 2025 Champions Trophy is India’s third consecutive ICC tournament final, having reached the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Their consistency has been commendable, and they are now one match away from ending their 12-year wait for another ICC title in ODI formats.
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Unbeaten Record in Qualifying Rounds: India has gone unbeaten in the group stages of all their previous ICC tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy.
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A Balanced Team: India boasts a well-rounded team, capable of competing with the best on any given day. Their strength lies not just in their batting but also in their bowling, with a deep lineup that can handle any pressure situation.
With such a formidable team and a deep desire to settle past scores, India has a genuine chance of securing the title in the final.
Revenge, Legacy, and the Quest for Glory
As India faces New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, this match carries deep personal significance for both teams. For India, it is a chance to avenge past heartbreaks and finally break their jinx in ICC tournaments. With a team full of veterans who are determined to give it their all in what could be their last 50-over ICC tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
If India can overcome New Zealand and lift the Champions Trophy 2025, it will not only be a redemption story but also a fitting tribute to the stalwarts of Indian cricket. The rivalry between these two teams is set to reach new heights, and the final promises to be an unforgettable encounter in the history of the sport. The question remains: Will India finally turn the tables on New Zealand and claim the glory they so richly deserve?
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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