The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is making a grand comeback after an exciting eight-year break, and cricket fans couldn’t be more thrilled! This ICC Champions Trophy prestigious tournament will be co-hosted by the vibrant nations of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, bringing together the top eight-ranked men’s national teams for a spectacular showdown. Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the ICC Champions Trophy tournament will feature 15 exhilarating One Day International (ODI) matches held across four dynamic venues. ODI cricket perfectly balances the traditional allure of Test matches and the electrifying pace of T20 games, making it a fan favorite. With each team battling it out for 50 overs, every game is a thrilling mix of strategy, endurance, and exceptional skill that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. Among the ICC Champions Trophy tournament highlights is the highly anticipated clash between India and New Zealand, set to occur on March 2, 2025, at the stunning Dubai International Stadium. This ODI match is more than just a game; it will determine the group winner and set the stage for the semi-finals, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans. With both teams already securing their spots in the knockout stages, this encounter promises to be a riveting spectacle as they vie for momentum and confidence heading into the crucial final rounds in the International Cricket Council (ICC). Prepare for an unforgettable cricketing experience where the world’s finest players unite to brilliantly showcase their extraordinary talent in this exhilarating celebration of the cricket sport!
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match held on February 24, 2025, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by five wickets. Bangladesh set a target of 236 runs, finishing their innings at 236 runs for nine wickets in 50 overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto stood out as the top scorer with an impressive 77 runs, supported by Jaker Ali with a solid contribution of 45 runs. New Zealand confidently chased the target, scoring 240 runs for five wickets in 46.1 overs. Rachin Ravindra was in sensational form, scoring a powerful 112 runs off 105 balls, while Tom Latham added a crucial 55 runs to the total. Michael Bracewell’s all-round performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. In a disappointing turn of events on February 25, 2025, the ICC Champions Trophy highly anticipated ODI clash between Australia and South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy fell victim to relentless rain in Rawalpindi. Despite the excitement building around the match, the heavens opened up, making it impossible for any play to take place. Due to the intense downpour, officials wisely decided to cancel the game before any play commenced, ensuring the safety of all participants. Ultimately, both teams walked away with a solitary point, leaving fans yearning for the thrilling showdown that never was. Discover the latest and most exciting sports updates tailored for passionate sports enthusiasts!
In a thrilling ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match on February 26, Afghanistan claimed a decisive victory over England by eight runs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Afghanistan set a formidable target, scoring 325 runs for seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs, with Ibrahim Zadran shining brightly at the crease, amassing an impressive 177 runs off just 146 balls. In response, England fought hard but fell short, finishing 317 runs for all 10 wickets in 49.5 overs. Joe Root scored 120 runs, but Azmatullah Omarzai’s five wickets led Afghanistan to victory. Omarzai was named Player of the Match. The ODI clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh on February 27, 2025, in the ICC Champions Trophy was likely to be thrilling. The match in Rawalpindi experienced a sudden setback due to persistent rain, ultimately leading to its cancellation. In a twist of fate, both teams walked away with a point each, leaving fans yearning for what could have been in this electrifying encounter! The ICC Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and Australia on February 28, 2025, ended without a result due to rain in Lahore. Afghanistan posted 273 runs in 50 overs, with Sediqullah Atal scoring 85. Australia was 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs and quit, allowing them to progress to the semi-finals.
Future Locks
Olden times Best
India boasts a remarkable history in ICC tournaments, consistently demonstrating its cricketing dominance on the global stage. The journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup began with a legendary victory in 1983 when they triumphed over the formidable West Indies under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. This momentous win put India on the world cricket map and ignited an unparalleled passion for the sport nationwide. 2011 MS Dhoni led India to their second World Cup title, defeating Sri Lanka and igniting nationwide celebrations. India has a strong history in the ICC Champions Trophy, finishing as runners-up in 2000 and sharing the title with Sri Lanka in 2002 due to rain. Their most outstanding achievement came in 2013 under MS Dhoni, when they defeated England, further establishing Dhoni’s legacy as a top Indian captain. The ICC T20 World Cup has been a platform for India to showcase its cricketing prowess, beginning with their triumphant victory in the inaugural edition in 2007, where they decisively defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in a nail-biting final. Under the exceptional leadership of Dhoni, India proved its mastery of the shortest format of the game. They reached the final again in 2014, showcasing their continued excellence, although they faced a setback against Sri Lanka. India reached the 2021 ICC Test Championship final, demonstrating their strength in Test cricket. Although they lost to New Zealand, their performance reflects their resilience and stature as a top cricketing nation.
New Zealand boasts an impressive history in ICC tournaments, consistently demonstrating its exceptional talent and unwavering resilience on the global stage. Their remarkable journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup started with strong performances as they reached the semi-finals in the inaugural 1975 tournament. In 1992, under the brilliant leadership of Martin Crowe, they made a significant impact by once again advancing to the semi-finals. The 2015 World Cup marked a milestone for New Zealand, as they reached the final, showcasing their prowess despite facing a tough defeat against Australia. In 2019, they participated in one of the most thrilling finals in cricket history, narrowly losing to England in a dramatic super-over finish that will be etched in fans’ memories for years to come. In the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand had a defining moment in 2000 when they clinched the title, then known as the ICC Knockout Trophy, by triumphing over India in the final. They showcased their strength again in 2009, reaching the final once more, though Australia narrowly defeated them. In the ICC T20 World Cup, New Zealand’s performances have been equally impressive, with a semi-final appearance in the inaugural 2007 tournament and a strong runner-up finish in 2021, where they faced Australia in the final. New Zealand’s triumph in the 2021 ICC Test Championship final against India solidified its status as a top cricketing nation, showcasing resilience and skill.
Championships Earnt
India
India’s journey in cricket has been fun and filled with remarkable achievements, both on the international stage and at home. This rich history reflects their skill and dedication and the deep passion that unites fans and players alike, celebrating the highs and supporting each other through the lows.
International ICC Achievements
| Tournament | Year | Achievement |
| ICC Cricket World Cup | 1983 | Winners |
| ICC Cricket World Cup | 2011 | Winners |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 2002 | Joint Winners (with Sri Lanka) |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 2013 | Winners |
| ICC T20 World Cup | 2007 | Winners |
| ICC T20 World Cup | 2024 | Winners |
| ICC World Test Championship | 2021 | Runners-up |
Domestic ICC Achievements
| Tournament | Description |
| Ranji Trophy | Premier first-class cricket championship in India, established in 1934 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | Domestic one-day cricket competition, established in 2002 |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | Domestic T20 cricket competition, established in 2006 |
| Duleep Trophy | First-class cricket competition, established in 1961 |
| Deodhar Trophy | List A cricket competition, established in 1973 |
| Irani Trophy | First-class cricket competition, established in 1959 |
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | Professional T20 cricket league, established in 2008 |
New Zealand
New Zealand boasts a remarkable history of triumph in international and domestic cricket, consistently demonstrating its exceptional talent and competitiveness on the global stage.
International ICC Achievements
| Tournament | Year | Achievement |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 2000 | Winners |
| ICC World Test Championship | 2021 | Winners |
Domestic ICC Achievements
| Tournament | Description |
| Plunket Shield | Premier first-class cricket championship in New Zealand, established in 1906 |
| Ford Trophy | Domestic one-day cricket competition, established in 1971 |
| Super Smash | Domestic T20 cricket competition, established in 2005 |
One-on-One Best ever
India and New Zealand have a rich history of memorable encounters in ICC tournaments, and as we look ahead, we see a sense of excitement about their future matchups. With New Zealand often coming out on top in crucial moments, fans are eager to see if this trend will continue or if India will turn the tide in their favour. The competitive nature of their rivalry promises electrifying contests ahead, making each encounter highly anticipated.
ICC Cricket World Cup
| Year | Venue | Result |
| 1975 | Manchester | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 1979 | Leeds | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 1987 | Bangalore | India won by 16 runs |
| 1987 | Nagpur | India won by 9 wickets |
| 1992 | Dunedin | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 1999 | Nottingham | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 2003 | Centurion | India won by 7 wickets |
| 2019 | Manchester | New Zealand won by 18 runs (Semi-final) |
ICC Champions Trophy
| Year | Venue | Result |
| 2000 | Nairobi | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
ICC T20 World Cup
| Year | Venue | Result |
| 2007 | Johannesburg | New Zealand won by 10 runs |
| 2016 | Nagpur | New Zealand won by 47 runs |
| 2021 | Dubai | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
ICC World Test Championship
| Year | Venue | Result |
| 2021 | Southampton | New Zealand won by 8 wickets (Final) |
India Form Scrutiny
The Indian cricket team has recently performed exceptionally well in white-ball formats, reaching the ODI World Cup semifinals and winning the T20 World Cup last year. They kicked off the tournament with two six-wicket victories against the Tigers and Shaheens. Earlier this month, they secured a 3-0 win in the ODI warm-up series against England, following a 4-1 T20 series win. Currently, they are on a five-match winning streak in ODIs.
New Zealand Form Scrutiny
New Zealand has had a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign, securing a 60-run victory over Pakistan on the opening day and following up with a five-wicket win against Bangladesh. This success has placed them at the top of the group standings with a net run rate of +0.863. The Kiwis are currently on a five-match win streak in ODIs, including a prior win in the tri-nations tournament against Pakistan and South Africa.
Leading Scorers
India
- Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli are off to an impressive start this season, each securing centuries in their first two matches. They currently hold the fourth and fifth positions in the leading run-scorer rankings, with 147 and 122 runs, respectively.
- Hardik Pandya is a versatile cricketer known for his ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. His skills in these areas make him an exceptionally valuable and elite player in the sport.
New Zealand
- Tom Latham scored an impressive 118 not out against Pakistan in his first innings. He is now ranked third among the top run-scorers, with 173 runs in two games.
- Michael Bracewell had a stellar match against Bangladesh, bowling 10 consecutive overs and taking four wickets for 26 runs with 43 dot balls. His performance earned him second place in the leading wicket-taker standings.
Weather Environment
Tomorrow at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, sunshine will be the show’s star! With temperatures soaring between a delightful 24°C and a toasty 36°C, it’s the perfect day to enjoy the ICC Champions Trophy game. Plus, you can leave your umbrella at home; the chance of rain is 3%.
Prediction
India vs New Zealand
India come to blows with New Zealand on March 02, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a significant event often referred to as the ‘ICC moment of truth’ due to its high-stakes nature and the intense competition it fosters.
Previous Rivalry
India and New Zealand have a long-standing rivalry in cricket, with each team having its share of victories and defeats. India, led by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, has a strong team with a powerful middle order featuring Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Their bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, is equally impressive. As heavy favorites, India has excelled, becoming the first team to reach the semifinals with consecutive wins. Shubman Gill has excelled at the top and is partnering well with Rohit Sharma, although more impactful innings from Rohit are anticipation. Virat Kohli has firmly established himself as the standout star, delivering a breathtaking century against Pakistan that has rekindled hopes and significantly boosted the team’s confidence. India boasts a robust and versatile attack with a batting lineup featuring the formidable Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. Rohit Sharma’s fitness is a concern, but the break should aid his recovery. India’s strategy with three all-rounders and two seamers offers flexibility, but New Zealand will be challenging.
In a thrilling 2025 ICC Champions Trophy encounter, New Zealand showcased its dominance over Bangladesh, delivering a stellar performance. Opting to bat first, they set a formidable target of 236 runs, losing nine wickets. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the standout performer for Bangladesh, crafting a gritty 77 runs off 110 balls, while Jaker Ali provided solid support with a valiant 45 off 55. New Zealand chased the target in 46.1 overs, led by Rachin Ravindra’s century (112 runs) and Tom Latham’s 55, winning by five wickets. Michael Bracewell was named Man of the Match with four wickets, helping New Zealand shine internationally. New Zealand has performed well, securing a semifinal spot after wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh. The team encounters India next, with Tom Latham leading in runs. Key contributions include centuries from Latham and Ravindra and strong performances from O’Rourke and Bracewell. This match is vital for their title hopes. Thus, India will have a recent form basis to grab a triumph in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy matches.
