New Delhi: Underestimate them at your own peril. As Rohit Sharma and his boys eye a record third title, Team India will be well-aware of the Kiwi hurdle awaiting Sunday even as the Men in Blue enter the Champions Trophy 2025 final with seven wins on the trot.
Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand is also on the cusp of history to join the ranks of India (2002 and 2013) and Australia (2006 and 2009) who have won this prestigious tournament twice each.
And guess what? The Black Caps had won in 2000 by 4 wickets against the Sourav Ganguly-led Indian side in the final played at Nairobi. All-rounder Chris Cairns’ quickfire 102 runs off 113 balls had helped the Kiwis to overhaul the 265-run target back then.
So far in the ongoing tournament, the Kiwis have suffered just one defeat, which came at the hands of India during the group stage. This will be the third final for New Zealand after they featured in the 2000 and 2009 editions. In contrast, India is making its fifth appearance in the finals.
When the two sides square off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Black Caps will also be looking to put behind the disappointment of coming second best in the 2015 and 2019 One Day International (ODI) World Cups against Australia and England.
Moreover, the Kiwis can take inspiration from the fact that they had emerged as winners in their last encounter with India in a final. The Kane Williamson-led side had defeated India by eight wickets in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship.
The Print revisits New Zealand’s previous two appearances in Champions Trophy finals and how those matches unfolded.
Also Read: Roller coaster of glory & bitter defeat, a look at India’s tryst with Champions Trophy finals
2000: The triumph
The 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, later rebranded as the Champions Trophy, was a landmark event for New Zealand cricket. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, this tournament featured all Test-playing nations in a knockout format.
New Zealand’s campaign began with a victory over Zimbabwe, followed by a semi-final win against Pakistan, setting up a final clash with India.
In the final, India posted a total of 264 runs. New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Chris Cairns, who delivered a match-winning performance. Despite battling a knee injury, Cairns scored an unbeaten 102 runs, leading New Zealand to a four-wicket victory.
This win marked New Zealand’s first major ICC trophy, a significant milestone in their cricketing history.
2009: So near yet so far
The 2009 ICC Champions Trophy, held in South Africa, saw New Zealand once again showcasing their prowess as a team punching above their weight on the global stage.
After a strong performance in the group stages, the Black Caps faced Pakistan in the semi-finals. A stellar all-round performance by captain Daniel Vettori, who took three wickets and contributed 41 runs, propelled New Zealand into the final against Australia.
In the final at Centurion, New Zealand elected to bat first but struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, managing 200 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Martin Guptill was the top scorer with 40 runs off 64 balls, as the Aussies gave a disciplined bowling performance in the final. Neil Broom (37 runs off 62 balls) and James Franklin (33 runs off 43 balls) chipped in with useful contributions with the bat.
Despite a promising start with the ball, reducing Australia to 6 runs for 2 wickets, Shane Watson’s unbeaten century led his team to a six-wicket victory. The Aussie all-rounder remained unbeaten at 105 runs off 129 balls.
While the result was disappointing, New Zealand’s journey to the final highlighted their competitive edge and ability to challenge top-tier teams.
2025: Road to the final
As of March 2025, New Zealand has once again demonstrated their consistency in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments by reaching the Champions Trophy final.
In the semi-final against South Africa played at Lahore, New Zealand’s batting lineup showcased resilience and skill. Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) both scored centuries, contributing to a formidable total of 362 runs for the loss of six wickets. Their 164-run partnership was pivotal in setting a challenging target for South Africa.
The Kiwi bowlers complemented their batsmen’s efforts, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner scalping three wickets for 43 runs. Fast-medium bowler Matt Henry and off-spinner Glenn Phillips took two wickets apiece. South Africa was restricted to 312 runs, securing New Zealand’s place in the final.
Now, the final against India, presents an opportunity for the Black Caps to clinch their second Champions Trophy title.
(Edited by Tony Rai)