The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy will culminate with Team India facing New Zealand in the final on March 9, Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. While there is zero rain prediction for the tournament-decider, it’s worth wondering whether there is a reserve day for the high-voltage encounter.
Battle-hardened India, led by Rohit Sharma, start as favourites by some margin, not only due to the familiarity of the conditions in Dubai but also because they have outmuscled all the opponents in their way. Their last two matches against New Zealand and Australia have them primed to win the final on Sunday. Rohit and co. defended 249 against New Zealand and triumphed over Australia by chasing down a stiff 265.
A tough opponent for India!
Will #TeamIndia continue their winning momentum against in ICC Knockouts as we gear up for the unmissable #ChampionsTrophyFinal? #ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL #INDvNZ | SUN, 9th March, 1:30 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star… pic.twitter.com/NrR4lnT9Yb
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2025
New Zealand, meanwhile, can only be taken lightly at their peril. The Black Caps have suffered their only loss to India when Varun Chakrvarthy’s fifer consigned them to a 44-run defeat. Hence, they will be better prepared to take on the Indian spinners in the finale.
Is there a reserve day for IND vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025 final?
Like the two semi-finals, the ICC has also kept a reserve day for the final and it is booked for March 10, Monday. It did come into play when the two sides collided in the dramatic 2019 World Cup semi-final at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
However, a reserve day is unlikely to be needed in Dubai. India and New Zealand had also faced one another during the final of the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000 and the latter won.
