Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has warned that India could face a stiff challenge in overcoming New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday. While Rohit Sharma’s side comfortably defeated the Black Caps by 44 runs in the group stage, Jaffer believes the final will be a much closer contest. With New Zealand already having experience of playing in Dubai, he expects them to be better prepared for the conditions this time around.
Speaking on former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali’s YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer acknowledged that India may not find it as easy as they did earlier in the tournament. “India beat New Zealand with ease earlier in the tournament, but I don’t think it will be that easy this time. New Zealand would be a little better prepared. They will be used to the conditions as well because they have already played once in Dubai,” he said.
One of New Zealand’s biggest strengths heading into the final is their well-rounded bowling attack, particularly their depth in spin options. Jaffer highlighted how the Kiwis have multiple quality spin-bowling choices, making them well-suited for Dubai’s conditions.
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“They have that depth in the batting. They have bowling that would suit the conditions in Dubai. Mitchell Santner has captained and bowled really well. They also have Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. They have a lot of options, which the other teams didn’t have,” he added.
Santner, in particular, has been a key figure for New Zealand in the tournament. In the group-stage encounter against India, he dismissed KL Rahul and returned impressive figures of 10-1-41-1, showcasing his control and effectiveness in these conditions.
New Zealand will be brimming with confidence after their dominant semi-final victory over South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The Kiwis, led by centuries from Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, piled up a formidable 362 for six. Despite a breathtaking 67-ball hundred from David Miller, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack ensured a 50-run win, securing their place in the final.
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Meanwhile, India overcame a spirited Australian side in their semi-final, winning by four wickets. Virat Kohli’s composed 84 played a crucial role in guiding India home with 11 balls to spare, as the Men in Blue set up yet another ICC final appearance. With both teams in excellent form and well-adjusted to the conditions, the stage is set for an intense final between two sides known for their consistency in global tournaments.
