India or New Zealand – Who will be the champion?

The final of the ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The title-deciding match will feature India and New Zealand, both of whom advanced from Group A, where Bangladesh was also a participant. In the semifinals, India defeated Australia by four wickets, while New Zealand secured a 50-run victory against South Africa. Having showcased exceptional performances in the group stage and semifinals, both teams have rightfully earned their place in the final. Now, the big question remains: Who will lift the Champions Trophy – India or New Zealand?

When it comes to the race for the championship, neither India nor New Zealand can be considered ahead or behind. In terms of strength, capability, and current form, both teams are evenly matched. Some may argue that India, being a subcontinental team, has the advantage of playing as the favorite. Additionally, playing at a single venue in Dubai might benefit them, allowing their spinners to trap teams from outside Asia. While these arguments hold some merit, this New Zealand team is different from previous ones. Their playing style, individual performances, fighting spirit, and determination to win set them apart. As a result, New Zealand poses a significant threat to India in the final.

In terms of strength, India boasts star batsmen like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who can change the course of a match. Similarly, New Zealand has match-winners in Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. Both teams have an abundance of all-rounders, providing depth in both batting and bowling. In fast bowling, India's attack remains formidable even in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Hardik Pandya have been consistently delivering fiery spells throughout the tournament. On the other hand, New Zealand’s pace attack, featuring Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Will O’Rourke, has been equally menacing for opposition batters.

New Zealand also possesses a strong spin department, with Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips all in excellent form. However, they lack a quality leg-spinner, whereas India has the left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy, India’s spin attack is a significant asset. That being said, New Zealand has improved considerably in handling subcontinental spinners over the past few years. Their understanding of conditions, pitches, and opposition strategies has helped them become a formidable unit. With all these factors combined, New Zealand will be a fierce opponent for India in the final.

Since the final is being held in Dubai, India will have strong crowd support. More importantly, they have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, including a group-stage victory over New Zealand. India's remarkable winning streak gives them the confidence to dominate in the final. Historically, India has been one of the most successful teams in ICC tournaments. They have reached the Champions Trophy final four times, winning twice. This will be their fifth final, and they are aiming for a third title. India has also won one T20 World Cup and two ODI World Cups, having played in four finals in the latter format.

India’s past record against New Zealand in ODIs is also impressive. Out of 119 matches, India has won 61, while New Zealand has won 50. One match ended in a tie, and seven had no result. In Champions Trophy history, the two teams have faced each other twice, with one victory each.

Although New Zealand's overall record isn’t as decorated as India's, they can draw inspiration from their recent successes. Before the Champions Trophy, they won a tri-nation series by defeating hosts Pakistan in the final. This victory will serve as a confidence booster for them. Additionally, they have a history of defeating India in ICC finals. In the 2019-2021 World Test Championship, New Zealand won the title by beating India in the final. They also won the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (the predecessor of the Champions Trophy) by defeating India in the final.

New Zealand can also find motivation from the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where India suffered a shocking defeat to Australia on home soil. However, New Zealand is no stranger to heartbreak in finals. They lost the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup finals, the 2021 T20 World Cup final, and the 2009 Champions Trophy final. Nevertheless, this year’s Champions Trophy has seen a new version of New Zealand – fearless and relentless.

Will this fearless New Zealand team be able to stop India’s unbeaten streak on March 9? Regardless of the outcome, fans can expect a thrilling final, where cricket will be the ultimate winner.