What happened when last time India faced New Zealand in an ICC Champions Trophy final?

India will take on New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on March 9.

After 17 days of high-quality action, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will conclude on March 9 with the final between India and New Zealand in Dubai.

India have been unbeaten in the tournament so far with four wins in four games. The Men in Blue defeated Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage before edging past Australia in the semi-finals.

India have used the Dubai conditions excellently and have operated with four spinners to test the oppositions on slow pitches.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have won three out of four encounters so far. Their only loss in the competition came against India in their final group-stage match.

The Kiwis outclassed South Africa in the second semi-final with a 50-run victory. They will carry confidence from their in-form batting order.

What happened when last time India faced New Zealand in an ICC Champions Trophy final?

The last time India faced New Zealand in an ICC Champions Trophy final was in the 2000 edition held in Nairobi, when the tournament was known by the name of ICC Knockout Trophy. The game ended in heartbreak for Indian fans as Chris Cairns played one of the greatest knocks in the tournament’s history.

After being asked to bat first, India got off to a strong start with Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly adding 141 runs for the opening wicket. Ganguly, in particular, was at his best, scoring 117 off 130 balls, including nine fours and four sixes.

The Kiwis, however, applied brakes to the Indian innings by picking up wickets in the middle overs. Medium pacer Scott Styris starred with two wickets in his 10-over spell, restricting India to 264/6 in the first innings.

In the chase, New Zealand got off to a shaky start and slipped to 132/5, losing experienced Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, and Craig McMillan for low scores. However, Chris Cairns controlled the proceedings, adding 122 runs for the sixth wicket with Chris Harris.

Cairns remained unbeaten with 102 off 113 balls, guiding New Zealand past the finish line with four wickets in hand. He was named Player of the Match for his efforts. Venkatesh Prasad was India’s most successful bowler, finishing with 3/27 in seven overs.

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