New Delhi: India is all set to face off against arch-rivals New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final Sunday, 9 March, at the Dubai International Stadium.
The Indian side has made it to the title match undefeated, while New Zealand has lost just one game—against Rohit Sharma and his team in the group stage.
However, Indian cricket fans are not taking the Black Caps for granted.
In the broader ODI rivalry, India hold the upper hand in overall wins, but New Zealand has consistently shown its ability to excel in high-pressure ICC tournaments. Indian fans haven’t forgotten the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final, when the Kane Williamson-led side defeated India by 8 wickets.
Ahead of the final clash, Indian fans have turned to popular meme templates to express their anxiety and anticipation.
Ind vs NZ Again pic.twitter.com/dgrDjCkMtI
— Saiman (@Jixo780) March 5, 2025
IND vs NZ finals
New zealand ll lift Champions trophy pic.twitter.com/fmn6iovDsp— Ram07 (@RamAkkera) March 5, 2025
So, it's IND vs NZ in the Champions Trophy Final. pic.twitter.com/Budq9xOFhS
— Cap. Vishwaguru (@triumph_wizard) March 5, 2025
So it’s #INDvNZ in the champions trophy final …!
Rohit to Santner : pic.twitter.com/X6DxgcYNpJ
— Khushamtweet! (@XitijNanavaty) March 5, 2025
A fan used a video of Rakhi Sawant crying to describe his emotional turmoil.
ind vs nz in finals pic.twitter.com/n7Qxc0xwKg
— ً (@manmarziiyaan) March 5, 2025
IND Vs NZ ..
Kuch samjh nahi aaraha pic.twitter.com/cJzZkmVDeS— Arvi_rusha (@ArviRusha) March 5, 2025
Some also turned to stand-up comedians to showcase their anxiety.
फटी पड़ी हे
परसो को लेकर
😸#Finale #indvsnzfinal#INDvsNZ #ICCChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/46tJfKvXZi— रljeev🇮🇳 (@RajeevTiwariIND) March 7, 2025
In response to Glenn Phillips’ stunning flying catches in the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy, a fan compared them to the iconic flying scene from the 2006 film Krrish.
champions trophy finals between India and New Zealand
NZ team on field : pic.twitter.com/1wtzkh3xgz
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) March 5, 2025
Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy 2025 marks the third consecutive ICC limited-overs final for India, following their appearance in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
The final also presents an opportunity for the Black Caps to clinch their second Champions Trophy title, after the 2000 victory.
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.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)
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