The stage is set for an electrifying Champions Trophy 2025 Final as India and New Zealand lock horns in Dubai this Sunday. Both teams, having conquered tough semifinals — India defeating Australia and New Zealand outclassing South Africa — now face one final battle for glory.
But winning the trophy won’t be easy — both sides have key challenges to tackle. Let’s break down the five biggest threats each team must overcome to lift the Champions Trophy!
🇮🇳 5 Biggest Threats for India
1️⃣ Trent Boult’s Early Strikes
Trent Boult has been India’s nightmare in ICC knockouts. His deadly new-ball swing has often broken India’s top order — like the 2019 World Cup semifinal.
What India needs to do:
- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill must be cautious in the first 5 overs, playing Boult’s inswingers late.
- Rotating strike will prevent Boult from settling into a rhythm.
2️⃣ Mitchell Santner’s Spin Web
Santner has consistently troubled India’s middle order, using his variations and pinpoint accuracy. His battle against Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav will be crucial.
What India needs to do:
- Attack Santner early, not allowing him to build pressure.
- Utilize the sweep shot — as Axar Patel brilliantly did in the T20 World Cup final — to disrupt his line.
3️⃣ Kane Williamson’s Calm Anchoring
Kane Williamson is the master of pacing an innings, calmly building partnerships and accelerating at the right moments.
What India needs to do:
- Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj must target his off-stump channel early.
- Introduce Kuldeep Yadav quickly — Williamson’s slight struggle against wrist spin could be exploited.
4️⃣ New Zealand’s Middle-Order Power Hitters
With the likes of Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand has brutal finishers who can clear the ropes effortlessly.
What India needs to do:
- Death bowling will be key — Bumrah’s yorkers and Arshdeep Singh’s slower balls must be spot on.
- Field placements should force Phillips and Mitchell to take risks.
5️⃣ Handling Pressure in Knockouts
History shows India has stumbled in ICC finals — the mental aspect will be as important as skills.
What India needs to do:
- Maintain composure if wickets fall early.
- Rely on senior players like Kohli and Rohit to guide the team in tense moments.
🇳🇿 5 Biggest Threats for New Zealand
1️⃣ Jasprit Bumrah’s Death Overs Magic
Bumrah has been nearly unplayable, combining pace, accuracy, and an unpredictable slower ball. He’s the X-factor in India’s bowling lineup.
What New Zealand needs to do:
- Look to attack India’s secondary pacers before Bumrah’s final spell.
- Avoid taking unnecessary risks against Bumrah’s yorkers.
2️⃣ Virat Kohli’s Big-Match Temperament
Kohli is built for high-stakes games. His masterclass in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Pakistan is a prime example of his ability to chase under pressure.
What New Zealand needs to do:
- Target Kohli early with Matt Henry’s short balls and Santner’s tight spin.
- Force him to play across the line by attacking the stumps.
3️⃣ Spin Duo: Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel
Kuldeep and Axar form a lethal spin combo, controlling the middle overs and breaking crucial partnerships.
What New Zealand needs to do:
- Use their feet to counter spin — rotating strike will be vital.
- Kane Williamson must anchor the innings and neutralize the spin threat with smart singles.
4️⃣ India’s Explosive Top Order
If Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill get going, they can tear apart any bowling attack. Their aggressive powerplay batting has set the tone for many victories.
What New Zealand needs to do:
- Boult and Henry must bowl a tight line, preventing any loose deliveries.
- Keep a fielder at deep square leg early to counter Gill’s pull shot.
5️⃣ Handling the Indian Crowd Factor
The Dubai crowd will be heavily pro-India, adding pressure on the Black Caps in crucial moments.
What New Zealand needs to do:
- Block out the noise — staying calm and focused will be key.
- Rely on experienced campaigners like Williamson and Boult to maintain composure.
🔥 Prediction: A Final for the Ages
Both teams come into the final with their own strengths and vulnerabilities.
- India will bank on their fiery top order and lethal bowling unit.
- New Zealand will rely on their calm, clinical approach and big-match experience.
The key to victory? Winning the crucial moments — whether it’s a quickfire 30-run cameo, a double-wicket maiden, or a game-changing run-out.
Who will hold their nerve and lift the Champions Trophy 2025?
👉 Drop your predictions below — will it be India reclaiming glory or New Zealand scripting another underdog fairytale?