India vs New Zealand in ICC Finals – Who has the upper hand?

Final match of the Champions Trophy 2025 has been set. It is the Men in Blue led by Rohit Sharma that will take on Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand side. This is the third time the two sides will meet in the finals of an ICC event. Both sides have a storied rivalry with each other in the global events. Their last meeting in an multi-nation tournament was in the semi-finals of 2023 ODI World Cup which India went onto win. 

New Zealand began the campaign with two wins as they beat Pakistan by 60 runs. This was followed by an easy five-wicket win over Bangladesh before losing to India in the final league match in Dubai by 44 runs. The Kiwis then faced South Africa in the second semi-final match which they went onto win by 50 runs to make it to the finals. 

Team India, on the other hand, have had an unbeaten run in the tournament so far. Rohit Sharma’s side began the tournament with six-wicket wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan. In the semi-finals the Men in Blue had to face Australia in Dubai which they won with four wickets. 

Also read - Why is Mohammed Shami a crucial player for India in ICC events? 

What is India’s ICC finals record vs New Zealand?

Matches: 2

Wins for New Zealand: 2

Unfortunately, the signs for India going into the massive finals aren’t good. India and New Zealand have played each other twice in ICC finals. The first ever meeting was in the 2000 Knock-Out Trophy final in Nairobi. The second encounter was in the inaugural finals of the World Test Championships finals in 2021, which was played in Southampton. 

Champions Trophy 2000 - Nairobi

ICC Champions Trophy which was known as the Knock-Out Trophy pitted Sourav Ganguly and Stephen Fleming against each other. India won the toss and batter first to score 264 runs for the loss of six wickets from their 50 overs. Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly scored 117, while Sachin Tendulkar scored 69 runs. Young batting sensation Yuvraj Singh failed to get going with the bat as none of the middle-order batters could score runs. 

In reply, New Zealand were placed in a precarious position at 132 for five in the 24th over. Chris Cairns and Chris Harris’ stand of 122 runs for the sixth wicket helped the Kiwis win the game. Cairns was not out on 102 off 113 balls with eight fours and two sixes. 

World Test Championships final 2021 – Southampton 

The second meeting between India and New Zealand in ICC tournament was the final of 2021 World Test Championships. Fifer from Kyle Jamieson saw Virat Kohli and his team get bundled out for 217 runs in their first innings. Ajinkya Rahane was the best batter with 49 while Kohli scored 44. In reply, the Kiwis were all out for 249 earning a crucial lead of 32 runs. Devon Conway’s 54 was the best score for New Zealand as Mohammed Shami picked 4/79 with the ball. 

In the second innings, Team India were all out for a mere 170 runs as Tim Southee picked four wickets. Rishabh Pant was the top scorer for India with 41 as New Zealand were set 139 runs to win. Kane Williamson’s 52 not out and Ross Taylor’s unbeaten 47 ensured an easy eight-wicket win for the Kiwis and helped them secure their second ICC title. 

The odds as far as history are stacked against Rohit Sharma who is leading India in fourth successive ICC finals. While the Indian skipper will be seeing it as yet another game, the Kiwis know that they have the upper-hand against India in ICC tournaments. The Men in Blue have a great chance to not only win the trophy but also break their ICC finals jinx against New Zealand.