The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is set to be a thrilling encounter on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The tournament has showcased intense competition, with both teams proving their mettle to reach this stage. India and New Zealand have consistently performed at a high level, defeating top-tier teams along the way to secure their place in the grand finale.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed experienced officials to oversee the final. Australia’s Paul Reiffel and England’s Richard Illingworth will serve as on-field umpires, bringing with them years of officiating expertise at the international level. Reiffel, a former fast bowler with over 200 Test and ODI wickets, previously officiated New Zealand’s semi-final against South Africa. Illingworth, a seasoned umpire and former left-arm spinner, was also part of India’s semi-final clash against Australia. The third umpire will be Joel Wilson from the West Indies, while Sri Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena has been designated as the fourth umpire. The match referee will be the vastly experienced Ranjan Madugalle from Sri Lanka.
Notably, no Indian umpires are officiating in the tournament. This decision is linked to an understanding between Indian match officials and the ICC regarding assignments in Pakistan, leading to their absence in both Pakistan and UAE fixtures. This situation has sparked discussions about neutral umpiring and the geopolitical dynamics influencing cricket administration.
India enters the final as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, having registered dominant performances in all their matches. They started their campaign with convincing victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan before overcoming New Zealand in the group stage. In the semi-final against Australia, India showcased resilience in a low-scoring thriller, winning by four wickets. With key players like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah in prime form, the team will aim to add another ICC trophy to their cabinet following their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has displayed remarkable consistency, led by the experienced Kane Williamson. The Kiwis secured their place in the final with a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in the semi-final. Williamson played a captain’s knock, scoring his 15th ODI century, while Rachin Ravindra’s contribution further strengthened their innings. New Zealand’s bowlers, spearheaded by Mitchell Santner’s 3-43, restricted South Africa despite a valiant unbeaten century by David Miller.
This final will be a rematch of the group-stage contest where India emerged victorious with a 44-run win, thanks to a masterclass in spin bowling by Varun Chakravarthy. However, New Zealand will be eager to avenge that defeat and claim the Champions Trophy title. With both teams boasting world-class talent and tactical depth, fans can expect a gripping battle between bat and ball.
The Indian team is currently stationed in Dubai, acclimatizing to the conditions ahead of the final, while the New Zealand squad will arrive from Lahore, where they played their semi-final. The match is expected to draw a massive global audience, with cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting this high-stakes clash. Both teams will be aiming to etch their names in history, making this one of the most anticipated finals in recent years.
