The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 to March 9, with eight teams competing for the title. This edition marks the first time Pakistan will host the tournament, with matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Due to political reasons, India’s matches will be held in Dubai.
India’s Group Stage Matches in Champions Trophy 2025
India has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Their campaign begins against Bangladesh on February 23, followed by a high-stakes match against Pakistan on February 27. The group stage concludes with India vs New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai, a match that could influence semi-final qualifications.
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known to assist spinners, setting up a key contest between India’s Kuldeep Yadav and New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi.
India vs New Zealand in Champions Trophy History
India and New Zealand have met once in the tournament, in the final of the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy, which was later renamed the Champions Trophy.
2000 ICC Knockout Final: New Zealand’s Maiden ICC Trophy
The final took place on October 15, 2000, in Nairobi, where India batted first and scored 264/6 in 50 overs. Sourav Ganguly led with 117 off 130 balls, supported by Sachin Tendulkar’s 69. However, the middle order failed to build on the strong start, with Scott Styris and Chris Cairns restricting India’s total.
New Zealand had a shaky start, losing early wickets. At 132/5, India had the upper hand, but Chris Cairns’ unbeaten 102 off 113 balls turned the game around. His 122-run partnership with Chris Harris secured a four-wicket victory for New Zealand with two balls to spare.
Venkatesh Prasad took 3/27, but India fell short. This remains their only loss to New Zealand in the tournament’s history, and the 2025 edition gives them a chance to even the record.
India vs New Zealand: Champions Trophy Stats
| Statistic | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer | Sourav Ganguly | 117 runs off 130 balls |
| Top Wicket Taker | Venkatesh Prasad | 3 wickets for 27 runs in 7 overs |
| Most Sixes | Sourav Ganguly | 4 sixes |
| Best Bowling Figures | Venkatesh Prasad | 3/27 in 7 overs |
India will aim to level their record against New Zealand in 2025, making their clash a pivotal moment in the tournament.