The Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is unfolding at the Dubai International Stadium, with the Black Caps opting to bat first after winning the toss. However, the Indian bowlers have struck early, putting New Zealand under pressure.

Current Score: New Zealand – 106/3 (22.2 overs)

• Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Rachin Ravindra (37) and Kane Williamson (11) after Varun Chakaravarthy removed opener Will Young (15).
• New Zealand initially got off to a strong start with a 57-run opening stand, but India’s spinners have turned the game around.
• Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham are currently rebuilding the innings, with the partnership at 24 off 40 balls.

India’s Road to the Final: A Dominant Unbeaten Run

This is India’s third ICC white-ball final in two years, showcasing their remarkable consistency on the big stage. Meanwhile, New Zealand are playing their third ICC final in six years and their fourth in nearly a decade.

While India has often struggled against New Zealand in ICC tournaments—losing four times in their last eight encounters—Rohit Sharma and his team have looked confident and dominant throughout the tournament. They have used the spin-friendly Dubai conditions to their advantage, loading their XI with spin options to counter the Kiwis.

In their previous meeting in the group stage, Varun Chakaravarthy’s five-wicket haul led India to a comfortable win over New Zealand. Can the spinners repeat their magic today?

Playing XIs for the Final

India:

• Rohit Sharma (c)
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• Axar Patel
• KL Rahul (wk)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Mohammed Shami
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand:

• Will Young
• Rachin Ravindra
• Kane Williamson
• Daryl Mitchell
• Tom Latham (wk)
• Glenn Phillips
• Michael Bracewell
• Mitchell Santner (c)
• Nathan Smith
• Kyle Jamieson
• William O’Rourke

Key Change: New Zealand have made one forced change, bringing in Nathan Smith for the injured Matt Henry, while India remain unchanged.

Key Match Highlights (Live Updates)

Varun Chakaravarthy Strikes First! (Will Young – 15)
Varun provided India’s first breakthrough, trapping Young LBW as he misjudged a flick.

Kuldeep’s Magic Spell!

• Bowled out Rachin Ravindra (37) with a stunning googly.
• Dismissed Kane Williamson (11), who mistimed a shot back to the bowler.

New Zealand’s Struggle
After a strong 57-run opening stand, the Kiwis have lost three wickets for just 18 runs, slipping to 75/3.

Daryl Mitchell & Tom Latham Look to Rebuild
The duo is focusing on strike rotation to avoid further collapse, as India’s spinners keep the pressure on.

Live Score Updates

22 Overs | NZ 102/3

Varun Chakaravarthy continues his spell with tight lines and variations, conceding just one run in the over.

20 Overs | NZ 100/3

New Zealand cross 100 with a cautious approach as Ravindra Jadeja joins the attack.

15 Overs | NZ 83/3 | Drinks Break

India dominate the middle phase, with Kuldeep & Varun leading the charge.

12.2 Overs | NZ 75/3 | OUT! Williamson Falls

Kuldeep Yadav strikes again, dismissing Kane Williamson (11) with a simple caught-and-bowled.

10.1 Overs | NZ 69/2 | OUT! Ravindra Bowled!

A beautiful googly from Kuldeep foxes Rachin Ravindra (37), breaking a promising stand.

7.5 Overs | NZ 57/1 | OUT! Young LBW to Varun

Will Young (15) falls as Varun Chakaravarthy traps him LBW for India’s first wicket.

What’s Next? Can India’s Spinners Seal the Deal?

With India’s spinners dominating the early overs, New Zealand’s hopes rest on Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham. If the duo stabilizes the innings, the Kiwis could still post a competitive total.

However, if India’s bowlers continue their stranglehold, a low-scoring chase could be on the cards for the Men in Blue.

Stay tuned for more live updates as the Champions Trophy 2025 final unfolds!