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For 25 years, New Zealand has been India's cricketing nemesis on the grandest stages. They have derailed India’s title dreams time and again, scripting heartbreaks when it mattered most. As the two sides gear up for another summit clash in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, India stands at the cusp of rewriting history at Dubai International Stadium.
The Kiwi curse: A troubling pattern India must break
New Zealand’s resilience has haunted India in ICC tournaments, boasting a 10-6 head-to-head record. The scars run deeper in knockout encounters, where the Kiwis hold a 3-1 advantage. This isn’t just a final; it’s a battle against history. A familiar foe stands in the way of an Indian side that has steamrolled its way to the final, but ghosts of past failures linger.
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Advantage or adversity? The Dubai debate
India’s extended stay in Dubai sparked debates over an unfair advantage, with critics questioning the ethics of their preparation time. But the truth is, New Zealand is no stranger to these conditions either. India’s real advantage? Their lethal spin arsenal. The sluggish pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) has already played into their hands, and it could be their ticket to glory once again.
Champions Trophy 2025 final: India vs New Zealand Playing 11
Spin it to win it: Will India retain their match-winning formula?
The strategy has been clear—two pacers, four spinners, and Hardik Pandya with the new ball. The formula has worked wonders, but a big decision looms: Will Kuldeep Yadav be persisted with? His recent form raises doubts, and a pacer like Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh might be drafted in. However, with Rohit Sharma’s faith in his key match-winners, drastic changes seem unlikely.
New Zealand’s puzzle: Will they gamble on Conway?
Like India, New Zealand is expected to stick with their semifinal-winning XI, meaning Devon Conway could remain sidelined. But will they throw a curveball? A left-hander like Conway could counter India’s twin left-arm spinners and right-arm mystery spin. Will the Black Caps take the risk? Or will they back their tried-and-tested warriors to once again haunt India’s dreams?
India vs New Zealand head-to-head in ODIs
- Matches played: 119
- India won: 61
- New Zealand won: 50
- No results: 7
- Tied: 1
Squads of both teams
India squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson
Champions Trophy 2025 final live toss time, India vs New Zealand live streaming and IND vs NZ live telecast
When will ICC Champions Trophy 2025 grand finale take place?
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 grand finale will take place on Sunday (March 9).
Which teams will lock horns in the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
India and New Zealand will lock horns in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
What is the venue for the IND vs NZ final match in the Champions Trophy?
The India vs New Zealand final match in the Champions Trophy 2025 will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
At what time will the India vs New Zealand live toss in Champions Trophy 2025 final take place?
The IND vs NZ final live toss will take place at 2 PM IST.
What is the live match timing of the India vs New Zealand final in Champions Trophy 2025?
In the Champions Trophy, the IND vs NZ final match will begin at 2:30 PM IST.
Which TV channels will live telecast the India vs New Zealand final at Champions Trophy 2025?
Star Sports 2 HD/SD will live telecast the IND vs NZ final match in India with English commentary, while Sports 18 1 HD/SD will provide Hindi commentary.
How to watch the live streaming of the India vs New Zealand final on March 9, 2025?
JioHotstar will live stream the IND vs NZ final during the Champions Trophy 2025.

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