India Dominates New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy Final

Dubai, UAE — India took a commanding position against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final held at Dubai International Stadium on March 9, 2025. After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first but found themselves in trouble early due to Kuldeep Yadav‘s exceptional bowling. The left-arm spinner claimed two wickets in quick succession, removing Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, turning the game in India’s favor.

Kuldeep’s first delivery of the afternoon set the tone, as he bowled Ravindra with a crafty googly, leaving the opener baffled and sending stumps flying. Shortly after, he struck again by dismissing Williamson, who was caught and bowled, bringing New Zealand to 75/3.

Earlier in the innings, India’s Varun Chakaravarthy provided the first breakthrough in his second over, trapping Will Young LBW for 15 runs. Young was unable to evade the delivery that breached his defense, leaving New Zealand under early pressure at 44/1.

New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner, commenting on the surface before the match, shared that the pitch was quite dry, which traditionally favors batting first. “You win the toss and bat first; put runs on the board, it will get harder to bat later,” Santner explained. His team faced challenges in adapting to the conditions, particularly as India’s spinners began dismantling the batting order.

Hello New Zealand’s response to Kuldeep’s threat is critical, especially for Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell as they aim to form a resilient partnership. Latham needs to anchor the innings; his previous experience against spin could be pivotal. Previously, Latham excelled in a test match against India in which he scored significantly on a turning pitch.

As the match progressed, India’s spinners made it difficult for New Zealand to score runs freely. Despite having a solid start, no boundaries had been scored in over seven overs after Kuldeep’s introduction. This remarkable turnaround exemplified the turning point in favor of India’s bowling attack.

More tactical adjustments were needed for New Zealand as they confronted the spinning conditions, which had become compounded by the pressure of the final. The middle overs were now critical, and both teams were aware that the next phase could determine the match’s outcome.

Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling remained a focal point; he demonstrated immaculate control and deceptive spin that troubled the Kiwi batsmen. His efforts contributed to a shift in momentum, pressing New Zealand on the defensive as they sought to recover from early setbacks.

With New Zealand struggling at 102/3 after 21 overs, the team’s ability to rally and build a competitive total remained a pressing concern heading deeper into the match. On the flip side, India’s strategy of employing an unchanged XI from their earlier group matches showcased their confidence and intent on maintaining form during the finals.

As the game unfolded amidst the relentless support of fans clad in blue, the contest between bat and ball held the spectators in suspense. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaited the next moves as both teams aimed to clinch the coveted trophy.