On March 9, Dubai is set to host the biggest cricket match of 2025 so far, as Rohit Sharma-led India takes on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. This will be a rematch of their group-stage encounter, where both teams faced off at the same venue, with India securing a 44-run victory.
The Men in Blue will aim to replicate that performance and claim their third Champions Trophy title. On the other hand, Mitchell Santner and his team will be looking to lift their second title, having previously won the tournament in 2000.
Before the match at Dubai International Stadium, this article will cover key aspects such as pitch conditions, recent records during the Champions Trophy, and the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in ODIs.
IND vs NZ Final Preview
India has been dominant in the tournament, winning all four of their matches. They secured a spot in the final with a commanding victory over Australia in the semi-final. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s only defeat so far came against India, but they responded strongly with a convincing 50-run win over South Africa in the semi-final. With both teams in top form, we can expect a thrilling contest on Sunday.
Dubai Stadium Records during Champions Trophy 2025
| Matches Played | 4 |
| Won Batting First | 1 |
| Won Batting Second | 3 |
| Highest Score Batting First | Australia: 264-6 (50) vs India |
| Lowest Score Batting First | Bangladesh: 228-10 (49.4) vs India |
| Biggest Total Chased | India chased 264 vs Australia |
| Lowest Score Defeded | India defended 249 vs New Zealand |
| Average 1st Inns Total | 246 |
| Average 2nd Inns Total | 237 |
| Best Figures For A Spinner | Varun Chakravarthy: 5/42 vs New Zealand |
| Best Figures For A Pacer | Matt Henry: 5/42 vs India |
| Highest Score For a Batter | Shubman Gill: 101(129) vs Bangladesh |
| Total Wickets by Spinners | 30 Wickets in 4 games |
| Total Wickets by Pacers | 30 Wickets in 4 games |
Dubai Pitch Report for IND vs NZ Final
Historically, and in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, the pitch at Dubai International Stadium has been challenging for batters. So far in this tournament, the highest first-innings total at the venue has been just 264 across four games. Scores of 300 or more have been a rarity here.
While pacers get assistance here, spinners have also played a huge impact. In the four Champions Trophy 2025 matches held at this venue, bowlers have claimed 60 wickets, evenly split between pacers and spinners at 30 each.
The ground’s large dimensions make six-hitting difficult, forcing batters to take their time and build their innings. Additionally, chasing teams have enjoyed more success here. India has won three matches at this venue while chasing in the ongoing tournament.
However, if a team batting first manages to post above 280, the chase could become tricky. While the toss may not be a decisive factor, given the high-pressure nature of the India vs New Zealand final, the toss-winning captain might still opt to bat first.
IND vs NZ Head-To-Head Record in ODI and CT History
| Matches | IND Won | NZ Won | Tie/NR | |
| In ODI History | 120 | 62 | 50 | 8 |
| In Champions Trophy | 3 | 2 | 1 | – |
