March 9, 2025 — mark your calendars and book your seats as two of the biggest teams in ODI cricket, India and New Zealand, are set to face off in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. Both teams had an impressive run to the final, remaining unbeaten — except for the Kiwis' loss to the Men in Blue in the tournament's final group-stage match.
India secured their spot by defeating Australia by 4 wickets in Dubai, while New Zealand earned their place with a 50-run victory over South Africa. Interestingly, the last time these two sides met in a major final was during the 2021 ICC World Test Championship, where the Kiwis emerged victorious.
The rivalry between India and New Zealand has intensified in recent years, with the Kiwis often having the upper hand in crucial ICC events. However, Team India has bounced back with three consecutive victories against New Zealand in ICC tournaments, breaking a string of disappointing results.
1975 World Cup (Group Stage):
In their first-ever limited-overs encounter — a 60-over match — India posted 230, thanks to Abid Ali's 70. In response, New Zealand captain Glenn Turner scored an unbeaten 114, leading his team to victory in 58.5 overs.
1979 World Cup:
Four years later in Leeds, India struggled, managing just 182 in their allotted 60 overs. New Zealand's Bruce Edgar anchored the chase with 84 runs, securing an 8-wicket win in 57 overs.
1987 World Cup:
India registered a double victory over New Zealand during the group stage of their home tournament — a 16-run win at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and a 3-wicket triumph at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur.
1992 World Cup:
India faced New Zealand in Dunedin, where the Kiwis won by 4 wickets. India posted 230/6, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring 84 and Mohammad Azharuddin adding 55. New Zealand chased it down in 47.1 overs, led by Mark Greatbatch's quick 73, securing the win with 17 balls to spare.
1999 World Cup:
New Zealand defeated India by 5 wickets in Nottingham. India scored 251/6, with Sourav Ganguly making 66. The Kiwis chased the target in 48.2 overs, thanks to Matt Horne's 74 and Roger Twose's unbeaten 60.
2000 Champions Trophy (Final):
New Zealand defeated India by 4 wickets in Nairobi. India set a target of 265/6, powered by Sourav Ganguly's 117. New Zealand chased it down with 2 balls to spare, thanks to Chris Cairns' unbeaten 102, clinching their first ICC title.
2003 World Cup:
At SuperSport Park in Centurion, India defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets. Zaheer Khan's fiery spell (4/42) restricted the Kiwis to 146 runs. Mohammad Kaif (68*) and Rahul Dravid (53*) anchored the chase, sealing the win in 40.4 overs.
2019 World Cup (Semi-Final):
At Old Trafford, Manchester, New Zealand stunned India with an 18-run victory. Defending 239, the Kiwis' bowlers dismantled India’s top order, with Matt Henry and Trent Boult leading the charge, ending India's campaign in a rain-affected two-day thriller.
2023 World Cup:
India roared back with a 4-wicket win in Dharamsala, fueled by Virat Kohli's masterclass, overshadowing Daryl Mitchell's century. In the semi-final, India once again triumphed by 70 runs to advance to the final.
India and New Zealand have faced off 119 times in ODIs with the Men in Blue holding the edge with 61 wins, while New Zealand has 50 victories. Additionally, 1 match ended in a tie and 7 matches had no result.?
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final approaches, both teams are eager to add another memorable chapter to their storied rivalry.?
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