India's spinners have put the brakes on New Zealand’s innings, reducing them to four wickets down as they try to put up a fighting total in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Blackcaps managed to end a long boundary drought when Glenn Phillips struck a six, marking New Zealand’s first boundary in 81 balls.

Kuldeep Yadav has been the standout bowler for India, claiming two wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja have each taken one. Earlier, New Zealand’s opening pair, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, put on a solid 57-run partnership—the highest opening stand against India in the ongoing tournament—before India made a stunning comeback, tightening their grip on the match.

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New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first, with one change to their lineup. Injured pacer Matt Henry was replaced by Nathan Smith in the playing XI. India, however, named an unchanged squad, sticking with the same lineup that had served them so well throughout the tournament.

Kane Williamson's poor ICC ODI final record continues

New Zealand batter Kane Williamson's struggles in ICC ODI finals continued as he was dismissed for a modest score in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

During his brief stay at the crease, Williamson could manage only 11 runs from 14 balls, including a single boundary off Mohammed Shami. He was eventually dismissed, handing an easy catch to Kuldeep Yadav, becoming the third wicket of the match.

Williamson’s record in ICC ODI finals has been disappointing: just 12 runs against Australia in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne, 30 runs against England in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s, and now just 11 runs in the final against India in Dubai. In total, Williamson has scored just 53 runs across three final appearances.

"Hardik Pandya can change the tone of the match," says his coach

Hardik Pandya’s childhood coach, Jitendra Singh, praised the all-rounder’s ability to influence the game with both bat and ball. Speaking to ANI, Singh said:

“Hardik Pandya is capable, as a batter, of changing the tone of the match, and as a batsman, he can guide the team to victory. He had an exemplary performance in the T20 World Cup as well. As an all-rounder, he brings balance to the team.”

Pandya has been a key figure for India throughout the tournament, showcasing his all-round skills and ability to perform under pressure.

India’s triumph in the group stage

India and New Zealand met earlier in the group stage, where the Men in Blue emerged victorious by 44 runs. Varun Chakravarthy was named Player of the Match for his remarkable five-wicket haul, which helped India maintain their unbeaten run.

With this win, India finished the group stage with a perfect record, accumulating six points. New Zealand, meanwhile, secured second place with four points. (With inputs from Agencies)