India is poised to secure a record third ICC Champions Trophy title in Dubai on Sunday, but Rohit Sharma’s squad faces a determined New Zealand team eager to challenge the odds in their first major white-ball final clash in 25 years.
Having opted out of playing in host nation Pakistan, India has displayed dominant performances, winning all four of their matches in the UAE, including a 44-run group-stage triumph over the Black Caps last week.
The two-time champions, who lifted the trophy in 2002 and 2013, have thrived on spin-friendly conditions, while their batting lineup, led by Virat Kohli, has delivered under pressure, securing victories against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Australia with well-executed run chases.
A victory would see India claim back-to-back ICC trophies following their T20 World Cup triumph last year, but head coach Gautam Gambhir remains focused on the immediate task at hand.
“We have one more game to go,” Gambhir said. “We know we’re a strong one-day side. What’s most important is how we’ve played throughout the tournament. The hunger, commitment, and desire to achieve something special for the country are always present.”
With Mohammed Shami stepping up in the absence of injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya adding depth to the batting lineup, Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in his team ahead of the final.
“When you’re in a final, you want all your players in form,” he said. “Everyone has contributed when given a chance, which gives us great confidence.”
New Zealand Ready to Challenge India’s Dominance
Despite India’s unbeaten run, New Zealand remains a formidable opponent, having defeated them in the 2000 final when the tournament was known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy.
Batsman Kane Williamson believes his team is fully capable of repeating history in another major final.
“That was a long time ago, but a great moment for our country,” Williamson said. “A lot has changed since then, and our focus is now on this exciting opportunity ahead.”
India has the advantage of playing all their matches in Dubai, but Williamson insists that anything is possible in a high-stakes final.
“The atmosphere in the last game was fantastic, and I expect it to be the same again,” he added.
New Zealand enters the final in strong form after a dominant semi-final victory over South Africa, where they posted a Champions Trophy record total of 362-6. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Williamson further bolstered their confidence.
Their well-rounded spin attack, featuring captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Ravindra, is expected to challenge India, who are looking to surpass Australia in the Champions Trophy winners’ tally. Australia has won the title twice, in 2006 and 2009.
New Zealand is also monitoring the fitness of pacer Matt Henry, who sustained a shoulder injury against South Africa.
“The pitch will dictate our approach,” Santner noted. “It might be slower than what we’d get in Lahore, so it could turn into a real battle. But we’re ready for the fight.”
