As the 2025 ICC Champions trophy reaches its business end, we have a clear picture of who the top 4 semi-finalists are going to be; India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. While all the group B fixtures got concluded today, we still have one group stage fixture remaining and this might actually be the spiciest of all the matches. India will face New Zealand at the Dubai International stadium on 2nd March in what will surely be a thrilling contest. Although both of these teams have qualified for the semi-finals, this match will decide their final position in the group A table and also determine who they face in the semi-finals from Australia and South Africa.
The ex-CEO of the New Zealand cricket council, David White gave an interview citing his views about this high-profile match. He said "I think if you look at the world events over the past long time, India will be worried. New Zealand have a fantastic record against India and although they lost to them in the recent World Cup, it was still a close game," said White as quoted in Times of India.
A battle for the ages
India and New Zealand have both won their first two group-stage matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh and look to be in great form. These two teams have only met once in the Champions Trophy which was back in the final of Champions Trophy (previously known as ICC Knockout) in the final in 2000 where New Zealand emerged victorious after successfully chasing down a target of 264. The last time when these two sides clashed in a high-profile ICC event was during the 2023 World Cup where India defeated New Zealand on two occasions once while chasing and once while defending.
The overall head-to-ead also tilts in India’s favour as the Men in Blue have gotten the better of the Black Caps 60 times out of the 118 times they have faced each other in ODIs. This upcoming fixture in the Champions Trophy will be one to look out for!
