India spinners dominated as they restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in the Champions Trophy 2025 final being played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The Kiwis lost two wickets within less than three overs as Indian bowlers finally struck, dismissing openers Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37).
The batting side had scored the first 50 of the match without any loss until India’s Varun Chakaravarthy made the maiden gain in the 8th over.
Just two overs later, the Black Caps lost the second wicket to Kuldeep Yadav in the 11th over.
Kane Williamson came in after the departure of Ravindra during the 11th over and added 11 runs off 14 balls. However, Kuldeep Yadav caught and bowled Williamson during the 13th over, breaking up another partnership with Daryl Mitchell.
Tom Latham also failed to form a solid partnership with Mitchell as he was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Latham scored 14 off 30.
Glenn Philips took charge of New Zealand’s innings and scored 34 runs. However, Chakravarthy struck again and sent him back to the pavilion during the 38th over.
New Zealand lost to India by 44 runs in their final group game of the 50-over tournament a week ago.
Sunday’s replay of that clash will decide the winner of the eight-nation tournament which has been played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
India have played all their matches in Dubai after they refused to tour hosts Pakistan due to political tensions.
The Black Caps won the Champions Trophy in 2000 when they beat India in the final in Nairobi, Kenya.
Rohit Sharma’s India team comes in unchanged from their win over Australia in the semi-final with four spinners including two all-rounders.
India can win a record third Champions Trophy after winning the 2002 and 2013 editions.
Australia have also won two Champions Trophies, in 2006 and 2009.
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Nathan Smith
