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The stage is set for an epic showdown as India and New Zealand will face off in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. Both teams have displayed exceptional performances throughout the tournament, with India overcoming Australia in the semifinals and New Zealand outclassing South Africa to secure their place in the title clash.
Michael Clarke names the winner – India or New Zealand?
Before the much-anticipated final, former Australia captain Michael Clarke weighed in on the contest, discussing key players and tactical approaches for both teams. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke predicted a thrilling game and highlighted the players he believes will have the biggest impact. Clarke has predicted that India will emerge victorious in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at Du🧜bai International♛ Cricket Stadium.
“I am going to stick with my prediction before a ball was bowled. I am going to say India to win the ICC Champions Trophy. It is going to be a good game, but I am backing India,” Clarke said.
When asked which Indian players could shine in the final, Clarke named Shubman Gill as the batter most likely to score big and Kuldeep Yadav as the primary wicket-taking threat.
“I am going to go with Shubman Gill. I thought he looked good against Australia. He’s been in good form, opening the batting is the best time to bat. I think he’s going to make a hundred. I hope they stick with four spinners. I am going to go with Kuldeep Yadav. He’s a very skillful bowler with a great wrong ‘un and is a wicket-taker, “ Clarke added.
Also READ: IND vs NZ: N📖asser Hussain pred♒icts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025 final
Challenges in the Champions Trophy 2025 final
While acknowledging New Zealand’s strong form, Clarke pointed out the difficulties they might face against India in Dubai. He noted that the only advantage the Black Caps hold is having already played India in 🎐similar conditions earlier in the tournament. Clarke emphasized that New Zealand must adopt an aggressive approach with both bat and ball to challenge India’s dominance. With both teams eyeing the presti꧂gious ICC trophy, the final promises to be an intense battle between two top-class sides.
“It’s hard (for New Zealand against India in Dubai). The advantage is they’ve seen the conditions in Dubai. If they can analyze what Australia could have done better—turning 270 into 300—it could be significant. If you can attack India, you have to look to bowl them out. That means an aggressive attitude with the ball and aggressive tactics in the field. If they focus on these fundamentals, I don’t think they will win, but they can win. They are a good enough team and in form,” Clarke concluded.
