As India and New Zealand gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday, it's essential to delve into their historical encounters to gauge which team holds the upper hand.
Overall ODI Encounters:
India and New Zealand have faced each other in 118 One Day Internationals (ODIs). India leads with 60 victories, while New Zealand has secured 50 wins. One match ended in a tie, and seven concluded without a result.
ICC Champions Trophy Clashes:
In the history of the ICC Champions Trophy, the two teams have met only once. This encounter was during the inaugural edition's final in 2000, held in Nairobi, where New Zealand clinched the title by defeating India by four wickets.
Recent Form and Notable Performances:
Both teams have showcased commendable performances in recent times. India secured a significant victory over New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, winning by 70 runs. In that match, India posted a formidable total, with New Zealand responding but falling short.
On the other hand, New Zealand achieved a historic Test series win in India in October 2024, marking their first series victory on Indian soil in 62 years. This triumph was largely attributed to Mitchell Santner's exceptional performance, where he took 13 wickets for 157 runs.
Conclusion:
While India's overall ODI record against New Zealand is favorable, the Kiwis have demonstrated their capability to challenge India, especially in ICC tournaments. The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling contest, reflecting the evolving dynamics between these two cricketing nations.