Sourav Ganguly’s remarkable century of 117 in the white-ball knockout trophy final 2000 between India and New Zealand left an indelible mark on fans. It’s time for a thrilling rematch, as India and New Zealand are set to clash again in the Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Stadium. Get ready for an unforgettable showdown!
India vs New Zealand final 2025 is scheduled to start on March 9, Sunday, at 2:30 PM PST. Both teams have been strong contenders for the trophy, demonstrating extreme fortitude throughout the season. Here, you will find all the details related to the India Vs New Zealand final 2025 while learning about their previous clash.
NZ Vs SA Champions Trophy: New Zealand Set to the Final
In the second semi-final held in Lahore, the New Zealand team demonstrated impressive gameplay, defeating South Africa by 50 runs. Star batsmen Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson showcased their classical batting styles, helping the team set a challenging target of 363 runs.
Despite South Africa’s strong batting lineup, which included a century from David Miller (100*), they could not reach the target. New Zealand’s Matt Henry attacked with the new ball early, while Mitchell Santner (3/43) managed the middle overs. Tim Southee and Trent Boult grabbed decisive wickets, which reduced the pace of South Africa.
Rassie van der Dussen’s 69 and David Miller’s century (100* off 67 balls) were inadequate to drive up the run rate. New Zealand’s excellent fielding and two crucial run-outs limited South Africa to 312/9 and secured a 50-run victory.
India Vs New Zealand Final 2025 Champions Trophy
After defeating Australia by 4 wickets and South Africa by 50 runs, India and New Zealand made it to the final of Champions trophy, respectively. After 25 years, India and New Zealand will battle in the final as they fought for the trophy in 2000 and New Zealand lifted the trophy by beating India by 4 wickets (2 balls remaining).
Even though both teams are in an excellent position to grab the title of winner, India might dominate the final due to a strong batting line-up. However, the Kiwis also have a depth of batting that includes top performers Rachin, Young, and Kane Williamson in the top three positions but they also struggle to face Indian spinners.
The Strength and Weakness of India
In the Champions Trophy 2025, India has shown absolute winning traits In the last match between India and New Zealand, India secured a victory by 44 runs. However, it’s important to note that Indian batsmen, particularly the top order, struggled against the Kiwi fast bowlers which is worrying for the upcoming Ind vs NZ final 2025.
Apart from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, players have failed to be consistent throughout the Champions Trophy series. Rohit Sharma should be praised for leading India to the final but when it comes to batting, he falls flat.
Despite Dubai Stadium being a neutral venue for both teams, the New Zealand pacers proved to be quite challenging.
On the bowling side, Indian star bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy will need to showcase their skills once again. During the group stage match of India vs New Zealand, Varun presented his captivating bowling feat with a 5-wicket haul (5/42).
Ind Vs NZ Champions Trophy Final 2000: Highlights
- Match: India vs. New Zealand Final 2000
- Date and Venue: October 15, 2000 – Nairobi, Kenya
- India’s Innings: 264/6 (50 overs)
- Top Scorer: Sourav Ganguly – 117 (130)
- Best Bowler (NZ): Chris Harris – 2/40
- New Zealand’s Innings: 265/6 in 49.4 overs
- Top Scorer: Chris Cairns – 102* (113)
- Best Bowler (IND): Venkatesh Prasad – 3/27
- Result: New Zealand won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Chris Cairns (NZ) for Century
- Consequence: New Zealand’s first-ever ICC trophy victory
What Happened in India Vs New Zealand Final 2000
The final of the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy in Nairobi was between India and New Zealand, and the two teams played a match of nail-biting excitement. India batted first and reached a respectable score of 264/6 due to an incredible century by Sourav Ganguly (117 from 130 balls).
He stabilized the innings with the help of some valuable runs from Sachin Tendulkar (69) and Rahul Dravid (39). New Zealand’s bowlers, headed by Chris Cairns and Kyle Mills, were able to prevent India from picking up further momentum in the death overs.
New Zealand suffered early jolts in reply but discovered a match-winning savior in Chris Cairns.
His 102 not out off 113 balls rescued the game, as he masterminded his side through a nail-biting chase. Aided by Roger Twose (60) and a timely late appearance by Adam Parore, New Zealand had four wickets in hand at the target.
It was the first-ever ICC tournament victory of New Zealand and the name of Cairns entered history as the mastermind of their historic triumph.