The excitement is palpable as India faces New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, taking place in the vibrant city of Dubai. Cricket fans from around the world are tuning in to witness this thrilling showdown. With both teams boasting rich histories and passionate fan bases, this match promises to be unforgettable. The contest commenced with New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bat first, aiming to set a challenging target for India.
New Zealand Sets the Stage
After winning the toss, New Zealand’s captain decided to take the first swing at the bat. Unfortunately for them, they are missing one of their key players, Matt Henry, who has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Instead, Nathan Smith has stepped in to fill the gap in their lineup, alongside openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, who have their eyes set on a strong start for the innings.
Thrilling First Overs
- In the first over, New Zealand scored 4 runs, setting a steady pace.
- After two overs, the team had managed to reach 6 runs, showcasing solid batting despite the challenge.
- By the end of the third over, the total stood at 10 runs, with both batsmen exercising caution against India’s pace attack led by Mohammed Shami.
- As the fourth over came around, Ravindra lit up the pitch with a six and two fours, propelling the score to 37 without losing a wicket.
- After six overs, New Zealand reached a promising 46 runs, demonstrating their resilience and focus.
India’s Response
As New Zealand continued to build their score, India’s captain Rohit Sharma made strategic decisions by introducing Varun Chakravarthy in the sixth over, hoping to break New Zealand’s momentum. The Indian spin attack is known for its ability to create breakthroughs, particularly against left-handed batsmen like Ravindra. India has its sights set on overcoming previous challenges they’ve faced against New Zealand in ICC tournaments.
Where to Watch the Finale
Fans eager to watch this epic contest can do so across various platforms. In India, the action is being broadcast live on Star Sports and Sports18, while online streaming is available via JioHotstar. For cricket lovers in the United States, the match can be viewed on Willow Sports, and Fubo is providing a live streaming option for viewers without cable access. The match kicked off at 2:30 PM IST in India, translating to early morning hours in the US, starting at 1:00 AM PT.
Fan Anticipation and Tensions
The stakes are high as fans rally behind their teams. India is aiming for their first Champions Trophy title since 2013, while New Zealand yearns for their first ICC trophy win in nearly 25 years. Each side has brought its best players, and the fanfare surrounding this match indicates how significant it is to both nations. India’s pursuit of excellence and New Zealand’s resolve to finally clinch the title has added an extra layer of excitement to this upcoming battle.
Quick Match Facts
Here’s a quick overview of what to know as the match unfolds:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 9, 2025 |
| Location | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Match Start Time | 2:30 PM IST (1:00 AM PT in the US) |
| Live Broadcast (India) | Star Sports, Sports18 |
| Live Streaming (India) | JioHotstar |
| Live Broadcast (US) | Willow Sports |
| Live Streaming (US) | Fubo |
With every ball bowled, the excitement and tension will surely increase. Stay tuned as India and New Zealand battle for cricket glory!