Flashback of India vs New Zealand clashes in Champions Trophy history

 



India and New Zealand are set to face off in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, starting at 2:30 PM IST. This highly anticipated clash revives memories of the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy final—the tournament’s previous name—where New Zealand stunned India to win their first-ever ICC title.

Revisiting the 2000 Final: New Zealand’s Historic Triumph

The 2000 final, played at Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi on October 15, saw India enter the match in fine form. After defeating Australia by 20 runs in the quarterfinal and outclassing South Africa by 95 runs in the semifinal, the team looked strong contenders for the title. However, New Zealand had other plans.

After winning the toss, New Zealand’s captain Stephen Fleming put India in to bat. India started well, with a 141-run opening stand between Sourav Ganguly (117) and Sachin Tendulkar (69). Ganguly’s century was his second consecutive hundred in the tournament and remains the highest individual score in a Champions Trophy final. India posted a competitive total of 264/6 in 50 overs.

New Zealand’s chase seemed to falter when they were reduced to 132/5 in 23.2 overs. But an inspired 122-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Chris Cairns (102)* and Chris Harris (46) turned the game around. Cairns played a masterful knock, finishing unbeaten on 102 off 113 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes, leading his side to a famous victory in 49.4 overs with four balls to spare. His match-winning innings earned him the Player of the Match award.

For India, Venkatesh Prasad (3/27) and Anil Kumble (2/55) were the standout bowlers, but their efforts fell short as the Kiwis lifted their maiden ICC trophy.

Champions Trophy 2025: Group Stage Clash Between India and New Zealand

Before this year’s final, India and New Zealand had already faced each other in the group stage of the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India emerged victorious by 44 runs and thus India vs New Zealand head to head clashes in Champions trophy is currently locked at 1-1 . 

India’s batting struggled early, losing Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15), and Virat Kohli (11) inside the first 30 runs. While Gill fell lbw and Rohit was dismissed playing a pull shot, Kohli’s dismissal came after a spectacular fielding effort from Glenn Phillips.

The innings was steadied by Shreyas Iyer (79), who formed a crucial 98-run partnership with Axar Patel (42). However, Axar’s dismissal, caught by Kane Williamson running backward, proved costly. Towards the end, Hardik Pandya (45) provided late impetus, striking two fours and a six in the 49th over off Kyle Jamieson. Despite Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul, two of his dismissals were more due to brilliant catching by Phillips and Williamson than the bowling itself. Other Kiwi bowlers—Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra—claimed a wicket each.

New Zealand’s chase never quite gained momentum. Will Young (22) and Mitchell Santner (28) got starts, but it was Kane Williamson (81) who posed the biggest threat. However, Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul proved decisive, as his variations left the Kiwi batters clueless, securing a comfortable victory for India.

As the two teams prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, India will look to settle old scores, while New Zealand will aim to repeat history. With both sides in strong form, an exciting contest awaits in Dubai.


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