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IND vs NZ: India won their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

India secured the title with a stellar performance, while New Zealand, despite their energetic efforts, fell short in their quest for the trophy.

The Men in Blue are the deserving champions of the 2025 Champions Trophy. After falling short in the final in 2017, they successfully completed their mission and regained the title.

The Kiwis were missing their star bowler Matt Henry, who usually sets the tone in their defense, and his absence was noticeable as Rohit Sharma launched an aggressive attack. While Sharma was attacking, Shubman Gill provided steady support at the other end.

The Black Caps required a spark to break the growing opening partnership, and it came from Glenn Phillips, who produced another spectacular moment for his highlights reel. One wicket led to another for New Zealand, as Virat Kohli fell cheaply (1), and from that point, they started to tighten the noose, with the ball spinning more than in the first innings.

The pressure eventually took its toll on Rohit Sharma, and after a strong 105/0, India found themselves struggling at 122/3. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel skillfully rotated the strike against New Zealand’s spinners, bringing some stability to the chase. However, the momentum shifted once more as both players fell after getting starts, leaving India with more to do in their pursuit of 252.

In the end, KL Rahul’s crucial knock of 34 off 33, Hardik Pandya’s 18 off 18, and Jadeja’s 9 off 6 balls guided India to a stunning victory with an over remaining.

For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner each claimed 2 wickets, while Kyle Jamieson and Rachin Ravindra each picked up 1 wicket.

IND vs NZ: Ist inning

Earlier in the match, Mitchell Santner opted to bat first. Rachin Ravindra provided New Zealand with a strong start, and things were looking good for the Kiwis until he was at the crease. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s twin strikes shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

At that stage, India’s spin quartet tightened the grip with their precise bowling. Daryl Mitchell, who had begun to accelerate, but was dismissed for 63, but Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 off 40 guided the Kiwis to 251.

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final Battle

India vs New Zealand: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

In the blue jersey, India stands ready to fight for the hopes of a billion, while in the black jersey, New Zealand, the quiet giants who consistently raise their game in ICC events, are set to take on the challenge.

Both teams are charging into the final after delivering brilliant performances in the semi-finals, honing their skills. India triumphed over their rivals Australia, while New Zealand secured a dominant win against South Africa.

India have faced their fair share of battles against New Zealand in recent years, whether it was the heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, the disappointment of the 2021 WTC Final, or the unexpected 3-0 Test series defeat at home. However, when it comes to the big stage, records are just numbers.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have laid a solid foundation at the top, with Rohit eager to convert his consistent 30s and 40s into another ICC century, a feat he has achieved more than anyone else in history. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, the chase master, thrives in these high-pressure tournaments.

Kohli is just a few runs away from surpassing Chris Gayle as the all-time highest run scorer in Champions Trophy history.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the pillars of India’s success in ICC events. Supported by a stellar middle order including Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, who have consistently delivered when required. However, it’s India’s bowling attack that has truly shifted the game in their favor. Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spin has kept batsmen guessing, while Mohammad Shami has spearheaded the pace attack with deadly accuracy. Ravindra Jadeja, the quiet force, has claimed 20 wickets, making him India’s highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history.

for new zealand

New Zealand’s batting lineup is brimming with confidence, led by the consistent brilliance of Rachin Ravindra and the ever-reliable Kane Williamson. Rachin has been a game-changer for New Zealand, delivering remarkable all-round performances that have caught everyone’s attention. With two magnificent centuries in this tournament, he has proven to be the most consistent batsman on display. Then there’s Kane Williamson, the rock of New Zealand’s batting in ICC events, with more runs in ICC tournaments than any other Kiwi player.

Mitchell Santner’s leadership is receiving as much praise as his bowling, which has also been highly effective. Santner has taken seven wickets, but the standout bowler for New Zealand is Matt Henry. Leading the wicket-taking charts with 10 wickets, Henry has been the backbone of their bowling attack. Meanwhile, Will O’Rourke has stepped up superbly, offering vital support in the pace department.

New Zealand is determined to break the deadlock and claim their white-ball triumph in ICC events. Meanwhile, India is focused on solidifying its dominance in 50-over cricket. Adding another twist to the story, New Zealand has already won two ICC titles, the Champions Trophy in 2000 and the ICC World Test Championship in 2021. On both occasions, their opponents were none other than India.

India vs New Zealand Head to Head records In ODI

They have clashed 119 times in ODI Cricket. India having the upper hand with 61 matches won, while New Zealand has triumphed in 50. Seven matches ended without a result, and one match was tied.

Total Matches	India Won	New Zealand Won	No Result	Tied
119	61	50	7	1

India vs New Zealand: Details

• Time: 02:30pm (India Standard Time)
  • 02:00pm (Pakistan Standard Time)
  • 10:00pm (New Zealand Time)
  • 04:00am (USA Time)

• Day & Date: Sunday, 9 March, 2025

• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

ALSO READ: Ravindra And Williamson Led New Zealand Into Final

NZ Vs SA: New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The Black Caps soar into the final, setting up a showdown with India in Dubai. They are aiming for their second Champions Trophy title.

For South Africa, following the letdown of the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final and the heartache of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, this loss adds another painful chapter to their story of near-misses.

Chasing down 363 was always going to be a challenging task, particularly with the pitch not fully flattening under the lights and the occasional delivery still gripping the surface.

Ryan Rickelton (17) started with a couple of boundaries but was dismissed by a delivery that jagged off the surface. Captain Temba Bavuma had a tough start against a tight Kiwi new-ball attack but quickly settled into his stride. Together with Rassie van der Dussen, he formed a solid partnership that helped maintain the required run rate.

Captain Bavanuma (56) was dismissed by his Kiwi counterpart, but Rassie van der Dussen kept the Proteas on track. At the halfway point, both teams scored 143, although South Africa lost one more wicket.

However, the game took a turn when Mitchell Santner delivered a crucial double strike, first dismissing Dussen (69) and before sending Heinrich Klaasen (3) back to the pavilion, creating a significant setback in the chase.

New Zealand’s spinners tightened their grip, and with wickets falling at the other end, David Miller was left to fight alone. He hammered a rapid century off 67 balls but was unable to guide his team to victory, remaining unbeaten as they ended their innings at 312/9 in 50 overs.

NZ Vs SA: 1st Inning

Earlier in the match, New Zealand chose to bat first on a solid batting surface, although slower deliveries held onto the wicket. Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) took control, putting together a dominant 164-run partnership, with both players scoring well-crafted centuries.

Their dismissals opened up an opportunity for South Africa to fight back, but vital contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49) kept New Zealand on track. With 83 runs coming from the final 6 overs, the Kiwis posted an impressive total of 362/6, setting a new record for the highest score in the tournament’s history.

Also Read: India Beat Australia By 4 Wickets To Reach Final

AUS Vs IND: India secured a spot in the Champions Trophy final on Tuesday, defeating Australia by four wickets in the semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium.

This victory secured India’s third consecutive appearance in the Champions Trophy final and fifth overall. They reached the final in 2000 and 2002 as well. They were champions in 2013, runners-up in 2017, and now they are set to compete in the 2025 final.

India took charge of the innings with Rohit Sharma leading the way, confidently finding boundaries and setting the tone early. However, India faced a setback when Shubman Gill (8) was dismissed during the powerplay, disrupting their batting flow.

However, Virat Kohli’s calm and experienced presence steadied the innings, allowing for a steady flow of runs. India had strategically positioned at 55/2 in 10 overs.

Kohli played a key role in averting a collapse, demonstrating his ability to anchor the innings during a crucial phase of the match. Captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 28, and Shreyas Iyer then joined Virat Kohli, with both batters adding to the score with occasional boundaries. However, the 91-run partnership between Kohli and Iyer proved vital, relieving the pressure on the middle-order batsmen.

In search of a breakthrough, Steve Smith wisely brought in his spin bowlers. Adam Zampa struck by removing Shreyas Iyer (45), giving Australia an important wicket. Axar Patel came to the crease, and Virat Kohli focused on forming another key partnership with Patel.

In the end, Virat Kohli achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 74th ODI half-century, reinforcing his reputation as a prolific performer in major events. After Axar Patel (27) was dismissed following a valuable knock, KL Rahul joined Kohli, and the pair formed a vital partnership that steadily shifted the momentum in India’s favor, taking control of the match from Australia.

Kohli fell short of his century, getting dismissed for 84 off 98, as India continued the chase. KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya then took charge, hitting the remaining runs and guiding India to victory.

AUS Vs IND: Ist Inning

Earlier in the match, Rohit Sharma lost the toss for the 14th consecutive time in ODIs, with Steve Smith choosing to bat first. India struck early as Mohammad Shami dismissed Connolly for a duck. Travis Head responded with a counterattack, prompting an early change in bowling. Varun Chakravarthy came in and claimed the crucial wicket of Head, forcing Australia to focus on building a partnership rather than playing aggressively.

Australia fought back as Smith and Labuschagne formed a solid partnership, but India broke through with a key wicket. Smith (73) fell short of a well-deserved century, and although Alex Carey played a valuable knock of 61, he too couldn’t remain at the crease for the final overs. In the end, India successfully bowled Australia out for 264 runs.

Mohammad Shami was the standout bowler for India, taking 3 wickets. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja bothpicked up 2 wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel claimed one wicket apiece.

Also Read: South Africa Makes A Thunderous Entrance Into The Semi-Final

AUS vs IND: India will take on Australia in the opening semi-final of the Champions Trophy at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, following their 44-run victory over New Zealand in the final group-stage match at the same venue.

India and New Zealand have qualified from Group A, while South Africa and Australia have qualified from Group B. In the first semi-final, India, the toppers of Group A, will face Australia, who finished second in Group B, in Dubai.

India ruled the group stage, securing victories in all three of their matches, while Australia’s campaign was interrupted by two washouts, with only one complete game, which they won against England.

Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill have both scored centuries in the early matches, while Rohit Sharma has continued his aggressive approach in the powerplay, though he had difficulty for converting his starts into bigger scores.

Shreyas Iyer has been a standout performer, delivering consecutive fifties in critical situations, while Axar Patel has made an impact with both bat and ball, effectively managing the middle overs and strengthening the batting lineup.

India’s pace attack remains a concern, as Mohammad Shami is still working on regaining his rhythm after returning from a lengthy injury break. Meanwhile, their strategy of using four spinners, led by Varun Chakravarthy’s match-winning five-wicket performance against New Zealand, has created a selection headache. Varun replaced Harshit Rana in the match against New Zealand, while Hardik Pandya shared the new ball with Shami.

AUS vs IND: for Australia

Australia has faced a setback with Matthew Short being ruled out due to a quad injury, and Cooper Connolly has been called up as his replacement. Short’s absence is a significant loss, not only for their batting but also for their bowling strategies, as his off-spin would have been crucial in the spin-friendly conditions of Dubai.

The simplest replacement at the top is Jake Fraser-McGurk, although Aaron Hardie and Connolly provide extra flexibility with both bat and ball. A positive development for Australia is Travis Head’s return to form, despite rain halting his innings against Afghanistan.

Josh Inglis and Alex Carey will also draw confidence from their match-winning performances in the highest chase against England in the Champions Trophy opener. As usual, Marnus Labuschagne and captain Steve Smith will play key roles in countering India’s spin attack. 

Adam Zampa hasn’t been providing regular breakthroughs but he will still be a key player in conditions that should favor him.

• This will be their first ODI encounter since the 2023 World Cup Final in Ahmedabad.

Also Read: South Africa Makes A Thunderous Entrance Into The Semi-Final

South Africa has stormed into the Champions Trophy semi-finals as the Group B toppers, defeating England by 7 wickets at National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

The Proteas put on a commanding all-round display, outshining England in every aspect of the match. They seemed like a perfectly balanced team, and this win is sure to lift their confidence as they head into the knockout stages.

On the other hand, Jos Buttler’s final match as England’s white-ball captain didn’t go as expected, leaving the team with much to contemplate as they aim to compete with the best in the world.

Despite an early loss of Tristan Stubbs (0 off 5), South Africa made a strong start with Ryan Rickelton’s aggressive stroke-play, although his time at the crease was brief (27 off 25). From there, it was all about Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen, who kept the bowlers on the back foot with their attacking batting.

The pair formed an excellent 127-run partnership, with both players bringing up well-deserved fifties, putting their team on the brink of victory. Klaasen (64 off 56) was dismissed while trying to finish with a flourish, but David Miller wrapped up the win in spectacular fashion with a towering six.

There isn’t much to analyze regarding England’s bowling performance; they simply didn’t have enough runs to defend. Jofra Archer gave his best, claiming two wickets to raise some hope, but the rest of the bowling attack failed to make a significant impact. While Adil Rashid did manage to dismiss Klaasen, by then the game was already beyond England’s control.

Earlier in the match, England’s batting woes continued after choosing to bat first, as they were bowled out for the lowest total of the tournament. Joe Root was the top scorer with 37 off 44 balls, and although a few other batters got starts, none were able to build on them. Poor shot selection further compounded their difficulties.

Marco Jansen was the star performer with the ball for South Africa, taking three wickets in a fiery opening spell. Wiaan Mulder also picked up three wickets, while Keshav Maharaj claimed two. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi each took one wicket to complete the dismissal of the innings.

ALSO READ: Australia Seals Semi-Final Spot In Champions Trophy

AUS Vs AFG: Australia secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy from Group B, following a rain-affected washout in their last group stage match against Afghanistan in Lahore.

Following Australia’s qualification, only one spot remains up for grabs, which will be determined in the upcoming match. South Africa will take on England at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.

Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, won the toss and decided to bat first, sticking to his team’s strength. Although Afghanistan started cautiously, Sediqullah Atal raised his hand and played a brilliant counter-attacking innings after a slow beginning.

The middle order saw a fierce battle, but the Aussie spinners held their ground, taking wickets at crucial moments. Spencer Johnson returned to the attack and made a significant breakthrough for his team. Sediqullah Atal struck a solid half-century but fell short of a century, while Azmatullah Omarzai once again showcased his ODI skills with a rapid fifty, helping Afghanistan reach a total of 273 runs.

AUS Vs AFG: 2nd Inning

In response, Australia made a strong start, though Afghanistan had a few catching chances that were missed. However, Once Travis Head found his rhythm, he quickly made significant progress toward the target, reducing the required runs in no time.

Australia’s chase was halted by rain with the team at 109/1 in 12.5 overs. Matthew Short contributed 20 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai. Meanwhile, Travis Head played a brilliant knock of 59* off 40 balls, and captain Steve Smith was unbeaten on 19* off 22 balls.

However, the rain arrived before Afghanistan had the chance to bring Rashid Khan into the attack, and it was quite heavy. Unfortunately, even after the rain stopped, the ground couldn’t be prepared in time to complete at least 20 overs of the chase.

ALSO READ: PAK Vs BAN: Rain Forces Match Abandonment In Rawalpindi

AUS vs AFG: The tenth group stage match between Afghanistan and Australia is scheduled for Friday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The upcoming match between Australia and Afghanistan is a high-stakes encounter, with both teams fighting for a spot in the semi-finals.

Australia, known for their resilience and rich tournament history, will look to secure a vital win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. On the other hand, Afghanistan, with their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude, will aim to cause an upset and prove their worth on the big stage.

Whenever Afghanistan and Australia meet, the first memory that comes to mind is Glenn Maxwell’s astonishing double century in the 2023 ODI World Cup. His remarkable knock completely crushed Afghanistan’s hopes and left a lasting impact on their campaign.

Afghanistan enters this match full of confidence following their exhilarating victory over England, marking back-to-back ICC ODI tournament wins against them.

Ibrahim Zadran was the standout performer in the previous match, blasting an impressive 177, while his opening partner, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, is primed for a big innings, may be he’s reserving it for the Aussies.

The experienced Rahmat Shah provides stability, while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi adds resilience in the middle overs. All-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai have been pivotal, with Omarzai delivering a match-winning five-wicket haul against England. Gulbadin Naib, who was Afghanistan’s man for the big achievements.

In the spin department, Rashid Khan continues to be the game changer, while Noor Ahmed’s rise has made their attack even more formidable. Fazalhaq Farooqi will spearhead the pace attack but will need to deliver his best against a powerful Australian batting lineup.

AUS vs AFG: for Australia

Australia, on the other hand, pulled off a remarkable chase against England in their opener, with Jos Inglis leading the way with a splendid century. Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne also contributed, but the true firepower comes from Travis Head and captain Steve Smith. If these two hit their stride, Australia’s batting turns into an unstoppable force.

Alex Carey has been in exceptional form, while Maxwell, a constant threat to Afghanistan, will be eager to trouble them again with his explosive power hitting.

However, their bowling attack is not at full strength, with key players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and others missing. Spencer Johnson has large shoes to fill in Starc’s absence, while Nathan Ellis will play a vital role with his smart variations.

Ben Dwarshuis offers reliable support, while Adam Zampa is crucial in the middle overs with his precise spin bowling. Matthew Short, Glenn Maxwell, and Marnus Labuschagne are also capable of contributing with the ball. Additionally, with an extra spin option available, Tanveer Sangha could be called upon to play a role.

• A victory in this match will secure their spot in the semi-finals, while a defeat could lead to uncertainty about their progression.

ALSO READ: PAK Vs BAN: Rain Forces Match Abandonment In Rawalpindi

PAK vs BAN: The group stage match between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been canceled due to continuous rain at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The ninth match of the ICC Champions Trophy has been called off before the toss. Pakistan and Bangladesh both got a point, but neither managed to secure a victory.

The defending Champions Trophy holders have faced every imaginable setback, and Pakistan concludes a disappointing campaign without a single win. However, both Pakistan and Bangladesh will earn a point each, though it doesn’t make much of a difference.

This campaign should act as a turning point for both teams, with an inevitable reshuffle likely in the future, especially for Pakistan.

There’s still plenty of excitement to come in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, as Group B is still open.

Up next, Afghanistan will face Australia with a place in the semifinals at stake. The match will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where both teams have already secured a win. However, there is a slight chance of rain during the game, although it’s not expected to be significant.

ALSO READ: AUS Vs SA Abandoned In Rawalpindi Due To Relentless Rain

AFG vs ENG: Afghanistan continues to make history! England were defeated in the death overs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and eliminated from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Afghanistan is being hailed as the rising team in the Champions Trophy. After posting a total over 300 runs, they remained in control throughout the match. England also made a strong start, claiming an early wicket when Phil Salt (12) misjudged the length of the ball, allowing Azmatullah Omarzai to strike first for Afghanistan.

The game saw plenty of twists and turns, but the spinners took control, bowling 18 consecutive overs from the 17th to the 34th and maintaining tight pressure. However, it was Azmatullah Omarzai who truly made the difference, claiming the key wickets of Jos Buttler (38) and Joe Root (120) in the final overs. He finished off the innings in style, securing a remarkable five-wicket haul and leading his team to a thrilling 8-run victory.

Meanwhile, England’s star batsman Joe Root scored an ODI century after almost six years, giving his best effort. However, his knock of 120 off 111 balls wasn’t enough, as he was dismissed.

England will be deeply disappointed right now, as their ODI form continues to decline instead of improving. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, they have struggled to perform as a united team in crucial matches.

Ben Duckett made a solid start, but after losing a couple of early wickets, Joe Root showcased his batting skills in the middle overs. However, both Duckett and Buttler failed to capitalize on their strong beginnings. Root went on to score a brilliant century but was battling fitness issues and eventually fell at a crucial moment in the death overs, leaving too much work for the bowlers to do.

AFG vs ENG: Ist Inning

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan’s top order struggled and lost early wickets, except Ibrahim Zadran, who carried the team’s hopes despite the collapse, as they were reduced to 30-odd runs for 3 wickets in the first 10 overs. Jofra Archer was the one who dismantled Afghanistan’s top order.

Ibrahim Zadran played an extraordinary innings, blasting 177 off 146 balls, including 12 fours and 6 sixes. Alongside him, Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi each made important contributions, scoring in the 40s. Their collective effort helped Afghanistan to set a challenging total of 320.

ALSO READ: New Zealand Storms Into The Semi-Final Of Champions Trophy