Champions Trophy 2025: India Record vs New Zealand in CT; Top Run Scorers, Wicket Takers Against Black Caps

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, with the countdown already underway for the much-anticipated tournament.

For the first time, Pakistan will host this prestigious tournament, with matches played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, given the geopolitical situation, India’s matches will be held in Dubai, adding an extra layer of anticipation.

The event will see eight teams – Pakistan, India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh – battle it out for the title.

India has been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The tournament opener will feature Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, while India will kick off their campaign on February 23 against Bangladesh.

With a packed schedule, the Men in Blue will face Pakistan in a high-stakes clash on February 27 before rounding off the group stage against New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai.

The India vs New Zealand encounter will be crucial, likely influencing semi-final qualifications. The Black Caps, led by Mitchell Santner, will look to build on their recent white-ball success, while India, under Rohit Sharma, will aim to cement their dominance in ICC events.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has traditionally favoured spinners, making the battle between India’s Kuldeep Yadav and New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi a key subplot.

India vs New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy

India and New Zealand have faced each other only once in Champions Trophy history, but it was a match of immense significance – the final of the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy (which was later renamed the Champions Trophy). Played at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi on October 15, 2000, this encounter remains one of the most thrilling finals in ICC history.

Sourav Ganguly’s India had dominated the tournament, defeating Australia and South Africa en route to the final, while New Zealand stunned Pakistan in the semis. India were eyeing their first ICC trophy since the 1983 World Cup, while New Zealand were searching for their maiden ICC title.

2000 ICC Knockout Final: New Zealand’s Historic Triumph

Batting first, India posted a competitive 264/6 in 50 overs, led by captain Ganguly’s sublime 117 off 130 balls. He received good support from Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 69, as the two openers stitched together a 141-run stand. However, India’s middle order struggled to capitalise, with wickets falling at crucial junctures. Scott Styris and Chris Cairns were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, keeping the Indian total within reach.

In response, New Zealand got off to a shaky start, losing two wickets within the first six overs. At 132/5, the match seemed to be tilting in India’s favour. However, Chris Cairns played the innings of his life, smashing an unbeaten 102 off 113 balls. His crucial 122-run partnership with Chris Harris turned the game around, guiding New Zealand to a four-wicket victory with just two balls to spare.

The win handed New Zealand their first-ever ICC title, while India were left heartbroken despite their strong tournament performance. Venkatesh Prasad was India’s best bowler with 3/27, but Cairns’ heroics ensured that the Black Caps lifted the trophy.

This remains India’s only defeat to New Zealand in the tournament’s history, and they will be eager to even the score when they meet again in the 2025 edition.

India vs New Zealand Head to Head Stats in ICC Champions Trophy

Top Scorer: Sourav Ganguly (India) (117 runs off 130 balls)
Top Wicket Taker: Venkatesh Prasad (India) (3 wickets for 27 runs in 7 overs)
Most Sixes: Sourav Ganguly (India) (4 sixes)
Best Bowling Figures: Venkatesh Prasad (India) (3/27 in 7 overs)