India Or New Zealand? Wasim Akram And Misbah-ul-Haq Predict The Winner Of Champions Trophy 2025 Final

The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with India and New Zealand locking horns in the grand finale on March 9 in Dubai. After weeks of intense competition, dramatic encounters, and standout individual performances, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the ultimate showdown between these two cricketing powerhouses.

Both teams have earned their place in the final with exceptional performances throughout the tournament. India stormed into the summit clash with a commanding victory over Australia, while New Zealand secured their spot by overcoming South Africa in a thrilling semifinal. As anticipation builds, experts and former cricketers have begun weighing in on the potential outcome of the highly anticipated final.

Among them, Pakistan legends Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq have shared their insights on the clash, offering contrasting perspectives on the two finalists. While India enters as the favorite, New Zealand’s experience in Dubai, strong spin attack, and adaptability make them formidable opponents.

India vs New Zealand: Road to the Final

India’s Dominance in the Tournament

India has looked unstoppable throughout the Champions Trophy, displaying their depth in both batting and bowling. Their semifinal clash against Australia was another testament to their dominance, where Virat Kohli’s composed 84 off 98 balls led them to a successful chase. With Rohit Sharma at the helm, the Indian team has exuded confidence, executing their strategies flawlessly.

Their batting lineup boasts a lethal combination of experience and youth, with players like Shubman Gill, Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul providing stability. The all-round ability of Hardik Pandya and the presence of spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav give India an edge in the conditions of Dubai.

New Zealand’s Resilience and Tactical Brilliance

New Zealand, often dubbed as the dark horses of ICC events, once again proved their mettle by overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals. Their ability to punch above their weight in knockout matches has made them one of the most dangerous teams in world cricket.

The leadership of Kane Williamson, coupled with the presence of Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham, has ensured that the Kiwis remain competitive in all situations. Their bowling attack, featuring Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and three quality spinners, makes them a well-rounded unit that can exploit Dubai’s conditions effectively.

Wasim Akram’s Prediction: India Holds the Edge but Kiwis Can Spring a Surprise

Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has weighed in on the final, stating that India holds a slight advantage over New Zealand. However, he believes that the Black Caps should not be underestimated, especially given their experience playing in Dubai.

“I believe that this match will be 60-40. 60% India and 40% Kiwi team will be the contenders to win this match. New Zealand has played in Dubai and they know what the conditions are like. They also have three spinners who can trouble the Indian batsmen. In such a situation, it is difficult to say that India is going to win the final.”

Akram’s analysis is based on New Zealand’s adaptability and their ability to utilize spin effectively, which could pose challenges to India’s top-order. The presence of Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell gives them an added advantage on a dry Dubai pitch, which historically assists slower bowlers.

Misbah-ul-Haq Expects a Close Contest

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq also shared his perspective, emphasizing that both teams are evenly matched and that New Zealand has the potential to defeat India if they play their best cricket.

“The two best teams are playing in the final. Both are balanced teams; both have played good cricket. India is definitely the favorite; they are full of confidence. They are understanding the conditions well. But New Zealand is a team that can defeat India. Seeing the way the Kiwi team has played, I feel that this match will be a close contest.”

Misbah’s statement highlights the fine margins that could decide the final, stressing that while India has been dominant, New Zealand’s tactical brilliance and ability to perform under pressure make them a dangerous opponent.

Key Players to Watch in the Final

India

1. Virat Kohli – The Chase Master

Kohli has been in sublime form, and his experience in high-pressure ICC finals makes him India’s most crucial batter. With nine 50+ scores in ICC knockout games, Kohli thrives under pressure and could once again be India’s anchor in a tricky run chase.

2. Rohit Sharma – The Aggressor

Rohit’s explosive starts have set the tone for India’s innings in the tournament. If he gets going in the powerplay, New Zealand’s bowlers will find it difficult to stop the flow of runs.

3. Mohammed Shami – The X-Factor

Shami’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death makes him a match-winner for India. His variations and pinpoint accuracy will be key in restricting New Zealand’s batters.

New Zealand

1. Kane Williamson – The Silent Assassin

Williamson’s calm demeanor and ability to read the game situation make him New Zealand’s best bet in the final. If he finds his rhythm, he can steer his team to victory just as he did in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against India.

2. Rachin Ravindra – The Rising Star

Ravindra has emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations, contributing with both bat and ball. His left-arm spin could trouble India’s right-handed batters in the middle overs.

3. Mitchell Santner – The Key to Victory

Santner has been New Zealand’s most consistent spinner, and his ability to contain runs while taking crucial wickets will be vital against India’s aggressive batting lineup.

What Makes This Final Special?

The India vs New Zealand final is not just another ICC final—it carries a legacy of intense rivalries, unforgettable encounters, and unfinished business.

Revenge for the 2019 World Cup Semifinal?
India’s painful exit from the 2019 World Cup at the hands of New Zealand is still fresh in the minds of Indian fans. This final presents an opportunity for India to settle old scores and claim another ICC trophy.
New Zealand’s Shot at Glory
The Black Caps have consistently reached ICC tournament finals but have fallen short at the last hurdle. They lost the 2015 World Cup final, the 2019 World Cup final (in controversial circumstances), and the 2021 T20 World Cup final. Can they finally lift the Champions Trophy?
India’s Quest to End ICC Title Drought
Despite their dominance in bilateral series, India has not won an ICC trophy since 2013. A victory in Dubai would end their drought and solidify their status as the best team in world cricket.

A Final for the Ages

With two evenly matched teams, a dry Dubai pitch favoring spin, and a long history of thrilling encounters, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to be an absolute classic.

While India holds a slight edge, New Zealand’s experience and tactical approach make them strong contenders. As Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq have pointed out, this match is expected to be closely contested, making it a must-watch event for cricket fans worldwide.

Come March 9, the world will witness a clash of titans in Dubai, where only one team will lift the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy. Will India reclaim their glory, or will New Zealand finally break their ICC final curse?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—cricket fans are in for an unforgettable night of high-octane action!

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