Champions Trophy Final – New Zealand Secure Spot in 2025 Final
New Zealand has stormed into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing their place after a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in Lahore. The highly anticipated final will take place on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the Kiwis will take on India in a thrilling showdown for the prestigious title.
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Clinical Performance Seals the Final Berth
New Zealand’s impressive win against South Africa was fueled by stellar performances from their star players. The match saw Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson rise to the occasion, both registering centuries that propelled their team to a formidable total. Their contributions not only set up a challenging target but also displayed the resilience and class that New Zealand is known for in ICC tournaments.
Rachin Ravindra Match-Winning Knock
One of the biggest highlights of the match was the performance of Rachin Ravindra, who played a sensational innings and was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match. His century was a crucial factor in New Zealand’s victory, and he further showcased his all-round abilities by chipping in with one crucial wicket.
This knock marked Rachin’s second century in the tournament, following his earlier hundred against Bangladesh. The 25-year-old has rapidly become one of New Zealand’s most dependable batters, demonstrating remarkable consistency in major ICC events.
Rachin Ravindra Remarkable Record in ICC Tournaments
Rachin Ravindra has developed a reputation for delivering when it matters most. His ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage is reflected in his five centuries in the fifty-over format, all of which have come in ICC tournaments.
•Three centuries in the 2023 ODI World Cup
•Two centuries in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
This incredible record speaks volumes about his temperament and skill. Unlike many aggressive batters who rely on big strokes, Rachin plays risk-free cricket, focusing on proper shot selection and technical discipline rather than extravagant stroke-making.
Sanjay Bangar’s Warning for Team India
With the Champions Trophy final against India looming, discussions have intensified on how India can counter the threat posed by New Zealand, particularly Rachin Ravindra. Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar was asked to analyze Rachin’s batting style and identify areas where India could exploit weaknesses.
However, Bangar admitted that finding a weakness in Rachin Ravindra’s game is extremely difficult. He praised the young batter’s technique and adaptability, warning that India must be well-prepared to counter his threat in the final.
No Weakness in Rachin’s Batting: Bangar’s Analysis
Bangar’s assessment of Rachin Ravindra’s batting was clear—he is a difficult player to dismiss due to his solid technique and calculated approach to scoring runs. Unlike aggressive batters who play risky shots, Rachin sticks to traditional cricketing shots and avoids unnecessary risks, making him a formidable opponent.
“India will have to be ready for him as despite trying to find out, you can’t find a weakness in Rachin Ravindra. All you can do is to bowl wide of the off-stump,” Bangar explained.
This statement highlights that India’s best strategy would be to test him outside the off-stump, hoping to induce a false stroke. However, given his disciplined batting, even this approach may not be foolproof.
New Zealand’s Strength as a Team
Bangar also spoke about the overall strength of the New Zealand team, acknowledging that they are one of the few teams that can genuinely challenge India in high-pressure matches.
“New Zealand are a team that can challenge India as they have quality players who are in form. It is 60-40 in favour of India, but the advantage is not big as New Zealand will prepare for every situation and they are one team, who comes up with several plans,” he added.
While India may be considered the slight favorite, Bangar emphasized that New Zealand’s ability to adapt and strategize makes them a dangerous opponent. Their meticulous planning and execution have allowed them to consistently perform well in ICC events.
Key Players to Watch in the Final
As the final showdown approaches, both teams will rely on their star performers to deliver in a high-pressure contest. Let’s take a look at the key players for each side.
New Zealand’s Key Players
1.Rachin Ravindra – The biggest threat to India, given his form and ability to anchor innings.
2.Kane Williamson – The experienced captain who can steer New Zealand through tense situations.
3.Trent Boult – A world-class fast bowler who has troubled India in previous ICC tournaments.
4.Devon Conway – A solid top-order batter capable of playing match-winning innings.
5.Mitchell Santner – An effective spinner who can control the game in the middle overs.
India’s Key Players
1.Virat Kohli – The big-match player who thrives in ICC tournament finals.
2.Rohit Sharma – A destructive opener who can set the tone for India’s innings.
3.Jasprit Bumrah – India’s pace spearhead who will be crucial against New Zealand’s batting.
4.Shubman Gill – A young and in-form batter who can counter New Zealand’s bowling attack.
5.Ravindra Jadeja – A reliable all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
Strategies for the Final
India’s Approach
•Target Rachin Ravindra early – Since he is the backbone of New Zealand’s batting, India must look to dismiss him early.
•Utilize pace and swing – With bowlers like Bumrah and Siraj, India can trouble the Kiwi batters with movement off the pitch.
•Attack New Zealand’s middle order – If India can break through the top-order, they can put pressure on the middle-order batters.
New Zealand’s Approach
•Neutralize India’s top three – The likes of Rohit, Kohli, and Gill are dangerous, and getting them out early will be key.
•Utilize Boult’s new-ball spell – Boult has a history of troubling India’s top-order, and he will be crucial in the powerplay.
•Middle-over containment – Restricting India’s scoring in the middle overs through Santner and Ravindra will be a key strategy.
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Final Showdown: A Clash of Two Giants
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final set for March 9, cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see whether India can reclaim the trophy or if New Zealand will continue their dominance in ICC knockout matches.
The contest promises to be a thrilling battle between two evenly matched teams, with Rachin Ravindra emerging as one of the biggest talking points ahead of the game. Will India find a way to counter him, or will Rachin once again prove why he is among the most promising talents in world cricket?
The answers will unfold in Dubai, where one team will be crowned Champions Trophy winners in what is expected to be an epic final.
