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IND vs NZ Final: Virat has a chance to leave Sachin behind, will he create history?
IND vs NZ Final - Virat has a chance to leave Sachin behind, will he create history?
| Updated on: 07-Mar-2025 01:00 PM IST
IND vs NZ Final: The final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Team India and New Zealand will face off. In the group stage, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs, but neither team will take the other lightly in the final.

All Eyes on Virat Kohli

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli will once again be the center of attention. Although he failed to score big against New Zealand in the group stage, his overall ODI record against the Kiwis has been impressive. Kohli also has a golden opportunity to break a major record held by Sachin Tendulkar in this match.

Kohli on the Verge of Creating History

Currently, Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs scored by an Indian against New Zealand in ODIs. Tendulkar amassed 1,750 runs in 41 innings across 42 matches at an average of 46.05. Kohli, on the other hand, has scored 1,656 runs in 32 innings at an average of 57.10. If Kohli scores 95 more runs in the final, he will surpass Tendulkar to become India's highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODIs.

Most Runs by Indian Players Against New Zealand in ODIs

Player                                         Runs        Matches
Sachin Tendulkar1,750        42
Virat Kohli1,656        32
Virender Sehwag1,157        23
Mohammad Azharuddin1,118        29
Sourav Ganguly1,079        26

Kohli’s Stellar Performance in Champions Trophy 2025

Virat Kohli has been in fine form in this tournament, scoring 217 runs at an average of 72.33. He is in a fierce battle with New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra for the top run-scorer spot, with Ravindra having scored 226 runs so far. Meanwhile, England’s Ben Duckett leads the charts with 227 runs.

Will India Be Crowned Champions Again?

India has performed exceptionally well in the Champions Trophy so far. Both the batting and bowling units are in top form. Under the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma, India will look to clinch the title. However, New Zealand, with its strong bowling attack and balanced batting lineup, is ready to pose a tough challenge.