India Or New Zealand? Shoaib Akhtar Predicts The Winner Of Champions Trophy 2025 Final

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as India and New Zealand prepare to battle it out for glory in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9 in Dubai. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for this high-stakes encounter, which promises to be a clash between two of the most consistent teams in ICC tournaments.

With India storming into the final with dominant performances, and New Zealand known for punching above their weight in knockout matches, the summit clash is expected to be nothing short of a thriller. Both teams have the firepower to deliver on the big stage, and with a prestigious ICC trophy on the line, the intensity will be at its peak.

Shoaib Akhtar Predicts the Winner of Champions Trophy 2025

The much-anticipated final has led to a flurry of predictions from cricket experts, and among them, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has confidently backed India to emerge victorious. Speaking on Tapmad, Akhtar explained why he believes the Men in Blue have the upper hand in this blockbuster final.

“If we look at India’s recent performance, they look much stronger than New Zealand. Both their batting and bowling are in great form,” Akhtar stated.

While acknowledging that New Zealand has the ability to rise to the occasion, Akhtar pointed out that India’s current form, squad depth, and balance make them the favorites. However, he also warned against underestimating the Kiwis, who have a history of stepping up when it matters the most.

The last time these two teams met in an ICC final was in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021, where New Zealand outplayed India to lift the title. But this time, in limited-overs cricket, the dynamics are different, and India will be eager to settle the score.

India vs New Zealand – A Battle of Consistency and Temperament

Both India and New Zealand have shown remarkable consistency in ICC tournaments, making them two of the most successful teams in white-ball cricket.

India’s Journey to the Final
India has been in red-hot form throughout the tournament. Their batting lineup has been firing, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill leading the charge. In the bowling department, the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav has troubled opponents, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been lethal with the new ball.
New Zealand’s Road to the Final
New Zealand, on the other hand, has relied on teamwork and discipline. Under Mitchell Santner’s captaincy, the Kiwis have been a well-oiled machine. The batting has revolved around Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, while the bowling attack, featuring Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Santner, has been a key factor in their success.

As the two teams prepare for the ultimate showdown, let’s take a closer look at the players who could be game-changers in the final.

Key Players to Watch in the Champions Trophy 2025 Final

India’s Trump Cards

1. Virat Kohli – The Big-Match Player

When it comes to ICC tournaments, few players match Virat Kohli’s consistency and hunger for big occasions. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him the most crucial batter for India in the final.

Key Stats in ICC Knockout Matches:

50+ scores in multiple ICC finals
One of the highest run-scorers in the Champions Trophy history
Averaging over 55 in ICC tournaments since 2017

If India is to put up a big total or chase down a target, Kohli’s role will be vital.

2. Rohit Sharma – The Captain Leading from the Front

Rohit Sharma has a history of performing in big matches, and as India’s captain, he will be looking to set the tone early. His ability to take on the bowlers in the powerplay will be crucial in neutralizing New Zealand’s strong bowling attack.

3. Jasprit Bumrah – The X-Factor with the Ball

Jasprit Bumrah has been in sensational form throughout the tournament, and his ability to deliver under pressure makes him India’s most valuable asset. Whether it’s the early breakthroughs or the death overs, Bumrah’s presence will be a nightmare for New Zealand’s batters.

New Zealand’s Key Players

1. Kane Williamson – The Backbone of New Zealand’s Batting

If New Zealand is to pose a serious challenge to India, Kane Williamson will have to play a captain’s knock. His calm demeanor, ability to rotate strike, and experience in ICC finals make him New Zealand’s most important batter.

2. Rachin Ravindra – The Rising Star

One of the biggest breakthrough players of the tournament, Rachin Ravindra has emerged as New Zealand’s biggest match-winner. With two centuries in the tournament, he has been their most consistent performer, and his ability to counter India’s spin attack will be crucial.

3. Mitchell Santner – The Spin Wizard

With Dubai’s pitch expected to assist spinners, Mitchell Santner’s role becomes even more crucial. His ability to control the middle overs and pick up key wickets could make the difference between victory and defeat for New Zealand.

Head-to-Head: India vs New Zealand in ICC Tournaments

India and New Zealand share a long-standing rivalry in ICC events, with the Kiwis often proving to be India’s nemesis in knockout matches.

Here’s a quick look at their head-to-head record in major ICC tournaments:

2023 ODI World Cup Semifinal: India won
2021 World Test Championship Final: New Zealand won
2019 ODI World Cup Semifinal: New Zealand won
2000 Champions Trophy Final: New Zealand won

India will be keen to break New Zealand’s dominance in ICC knockouts, while the Kiwis will be looking to continue their winning streak in finals against India.

Who Has the Edge in the Final?

Why India Could Win:

Stronger batting lineup with experienced match-winners
Better spin attack suited for Dubai conditions
Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal form with the ball

Why New Zealand Could Win:

Experience of handling pressure in ICC finals
Unpredictable nature and ability to rise in crucial moments
A balanced team with contributions from both batters and bowlers

Final Thoughts: A Grand Finale Awaits

As March 9 approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable Champions Trophy final. Will India reclaim the trophy after 11 years, or will New Zealand stun the world once again?

With top-class players, tactical battles, and an ICC trophy on the line, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will witness history in the making.

One thing is certain—cricket fans around the world are in for a blockbuster finale!

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