It all comes down to this, the Final of 2025 Champions Trophy. The giants India versus the dark horse New Zealand go face to face in Dubai. Can the Blackcaps cause an almighty upset? Or will India win the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2013? We bring you our full match preview, prediction, and prop bet below!
ICC Champions Trophy Final Preview & Betting Tips
India vs New Zealand
Dubai, Sunday 9th March, 8pm AEDT
India
Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
India won their fourth straight game to book their spot in the Final, with a 4 wicket win over Australia. India took 6/66 across the final 14 overs for the innings to restrict Australia 264, with Mohammed Shami (3/48), Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) amongst the wickets.
Virat Kohli (84 off 98) led the way for India in the run chase, with cameos form Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62) and KL Rahul (42 off 34) ensuring India got home with eleven balls to spare. It was a far from convincing performance from India against an undermanned Australian side, but they got the job done.
India have three of the top ten scorers at the tournament in Virat Kohli (217 runs, 4th), Shreyas Iyer (195 runs, 6th) and Shubman Gill (157 runs, 10th). India also have six of the top 16 wicket takers in the Champions Trophy with Mohammed Shami (8 wickets, 2nd), Varun Chakaravarthy (7 wickets, 2nd), Axar Patel (5 wickets, 14th), Kuldeep Yadav (5 wickets, 14th), Harshit Rana (4 wickets, 16th) and Hardik Pandya (4 wickets, 16th).
New Zealand
Predicted XI: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke
New Zealand produced a brilliant performance with the bat, en route to a 50 run win over South Africa in the Semi Finals. Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101) and Kane WIlliamson (102 off 94) combined for a 164 run partnership to lay the platform for a massive score. Glenn Phillips (49 off 27) and Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) provided great late innings hitting as the Blackcaps piled on 6/362.
Mitchell Santner was the star with the ball, taking 3/42 including the massive scalps of Temba Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen. If New Zealand are to be a chance of taking home the trophy, Santner is going to have to play a huge role. The New Zealand captain has taken 7 wickets, and gone at an economy rate of just 4.85.
New Zealand have five of the top thirteen run scorers at the Champions Trophy in Rachin Ravindra (226 runs, 2nd), Tom Latham (191 runs, 8th), Kane Williamson (189 runs, 9th) Will Young (150 runs, 11th) and Glenn Phillips (143 runs, 13th). New Zealand will need to produce another big batting score like they did in the Semi Final, and will be desperate to bat first in Dubai.
Match Prediction
It’s been said many times before and it will be said again because it’s true, this tournament has been set up for India to win. The Blackcaps have travelled to Karachi, Rawalpindi, Dubai, Lahore and now back to Dubai for the Final. India are yet to leave Dubai and will get to play at a venue that has essentially become a second home ground.
These have been the best two teams at the tournament with their depth with bat and ball, which is evident to see by the top run scorers. However India’s four prong spin attack will be the difference in this game, as it was in the group stage when India defeated the Blackcaps by 44 runs. India will be too strong once again and will take home the title.
India to Win
$1.40 (2.5 Units)
Prop Bet
He’s only played two games so far at the Champions Trophy, but Varun Chakaravarthy has had a massive impact for India. Chakaravarthy’s 7 wickets is the third most of any player at the tournament, with figures of 5/42 and 2/49. He was all over New Zealand’s batsmen in the group stage match, and will play a crucial role in the Final.
Varun Chakaravarthy – Top India Bowler
$4.10
