Sports

ICC Champions Trophy Final: All you need to know about the India-New Zealand clash in Dubai

Published

56 seconds ago

March 8, 2025

After 18 days of edge-of-the-seat cricket, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has boiled down to this—India vs New Zealand, a winner-takes-all final under the lights in Dubai.

The two cricketing powerhouses will battle for ODI glory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium this Sunday (1 pm local, 09:00 GMT) in a clash that promises fireworks, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments.

Why Dubai? The Drama Behind the Venue Choice

This year’s tournament has already delivered drama off the field, with a standoff between India and Pakistan determining the venue.

The BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, forcing the ICC into a last-minute compromise—India’s games (including the final) would be played in neutral Dubai while other matches were split between Pakistan and the UAE.

India’s Road to the Final: Unstoppable Force?

India has steamrolled its way through the tournament, winning every game so far. Here’s how they booked their spot in the final:
Beat Bangladesh (6 wickets) – Gill’s ton stole the show
Beat Pakistan (6 wickets) – A dominant all-round performance
Beat New Zealand (44 runs) – A statement win in the group stage
Beat Australia (4 wickets) – Held their nerve in a tense semi-final
New Zealand’s Route: Resilient as Ever
The Kiwis have had a rock-solid campaign, bouncing back from a loss against India to power into the final:
Beat Pakistan (60 runs) – A strong start in Karachi
Beat Bangladesh (5 wickets) – Showed their clinical edge
Lost to India (44 runs) – A rare blip, but lessons learned
Beat South Africa (50 runs) – Dominated the semi-final

Players to Watch: Who Can Be the Game-Changer?

Virat Kohli (India) – The king of ODI cricket is back in top form, with six centuries against New Zealand in his career. Big players shine in big matches—expect a show.
Shubman Gill (India) – The No.1-ranked ODI batter, Gill kicked off the tournament with a ton and will be key at the top of the order.
Varun Chakravarthy (India) – The mystery spinner rattled New Zealand with a five-wicket haul in the group stage. Can he do it again in the final?
Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – NZ’s batting talisman, Williamson, always steps up in ICC events. His leadership and cool head will be crucial.
Matt Henry (New Zealand) – The tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Henry was India’s nightmare in the group stage. His fitness will be a game-time decision.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) – Captain. Spinner. All-rounder. Santner will be a huge factor with his left-arm spin on a sluggish Dubai track.

Key Battles That Could Decide the Final

Gill vs Henry – NZ’s top bowler got Gill out early last time. Can he do it again and give the Blackcaps the perfect start?
Kohli vs Santner – Kohli loves a big game, but left-arm spin has troubled him before. Can Santner get the biggest wicket of them all?
Williamson vs Shami – Two big-game performers. If Shami can remove Williamson early, India will be in the driver’s seat.
Ravindra vs Pandya – The rising Kiwi star takes on India’s all-rounder in a duel that could swing momentum either way.

The Pitch and Weather: What to Expect in Dubai

The Dubai surface has been slow and spin-friendly, favouring bowlers with variations. A new pitch will be used for the final, but expect another low-scoring contest where patience at the crease will be key.

As for the weather—hot, dry, and no rain in sight. Temperatures will hit 34°C at the start, cooling down to 28°C by the evening.

The Prize Money: What’s on the Line?

Winners: Dh8.23 million ($2.24 million)
Runners-up: Dh4.11 million ($1.12 million)
Total prize pool: Dh24.34 million ($6.9 million)

India vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head Stats

Matches Played: 119
India Wins: 61
New Zealand Wins: 50
No Results: 7
Tied Matches: 1

India has won their last six ODIs against New Zealand, but history means nothing in a final.

Team News: Will There Be Any Changes?

India

India are unlikely to change their winning XI, with Varun Chakravarthy keeping his place after his match-winning spells. Harshit Rana remains on the bench.

The Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.

New Zealand

All eyes are on Matt Henry’s injury. If he is fit, NZ will field an unchanged XI. If not, Ben Sears or Nathan Smith could step in.

The Squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (WK), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

How and where to watch: Streaming

Fans in more than 80 territories can watch via ICC.tv and free audio of all 15 matches is available via the ICC match centre globally. The fans can also check the live ball-by-ball commentary on icc-cricket.com.

In India, the JioStar network will broadcast the finals. On TV, in addition to the English feed, the network will provide coverage in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

In Pakistan, fans will be able to catch the live action via linear partners PTV and Ten Sports and digitally through the Myco and Tamasha apps.

UAE and the entire MENA region will have the game broadcasted via CricLife MAX and CricLife MAX2, with streaming available on STARZPLAY.

UK cricket fans can enjoy the action on Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action and digitally via the SkyGO, NOW, and Sky Sports App.

On Radio

UK: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

India: All India Radio

Pakistan: HUM 106.2FM

UAE: Talk 100.3FM and Big 106.2

Bangladesh: Radio Shadhin 92.4 and Radio Bhumi 92.8

Sri Lanka: Lakhanda Radio

On TV:

Broadcast Details (TV and Digital):
India: JioStar (Live streaming on Jio Hotstar, Television coverage on Star and Network 18 channels)
Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports, Streaming options: Myco and Tamasha app
UAE and MENA: CricLife Max and CricLife Max2, Streaming option: STARZPLAY
UK: Live broadcasting on Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Digital coverage via SkyGO, NOW and Sky Sports App
USA and Canada: WillowTV, streaming on Willow by Cricbuzz app (Hindi coverage available)
Caribbean: ESPNCaribbean on TV, streaming via ESPN Play Caribbean app
Australia: PrimeVideo (coverage also available in Hindi)
New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ, digital coverage via Now and SkyGo app.
South Africa and sub-Saharan territories: SuperSport and SuperSport App
Bangladesh: Nagorik TV and T Sports for linear broadcast, digital via Toffee app
Afghanistan: ATN
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV (TV1 on Linear), Digital via Sirasa

Tickets: Can You Still Get In?

Official ICC tickets – Sold out
Resale platforms – Limited tickets available but at sky-high prices

The stage is set. The players are ready. The cricket world is watching. Will India extend their dominance, or will New Zealand pull off an upset for the ages? All eyes will be on Dubai on Sunday, March 9, for the ultimate battle for the prestigious trophy.

(Source: ICC, agencies)

Sports

Sharjah’s ‘Sports Before Iftar’ promotes fitness during Ramadan

Published

20 hours ago

March 7, 2025

Michael Gomes

The “Sports Before Iftar” initiative kicked off in style on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Al Hamriyah Beach, drawing an impressive crowd of fitness enthusiasts eager to embrace an active Ramadan. Set to run throughout the holy month, the event promises a dynamic blend of community spirit and physical well-being in a stunning beachfront setting.

Organized by the Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club and overseen by the Sharjah Sports Council, the event will be held every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday throughout the Holy Month.

This programme encourages participants to engage in physical activities such as walking and some body workouts from 5 to 6 pm, allowing individuals to earn rewards while staying fit as they prepare for their Iftar during Ramadan.

With a target of attracting at least 15,000 residents, the initiative highlights the importance of maintaining physical health and community engagement during the holy month.

Participants who meet the established criteria will be eligible for cash prizes, providing an added incentive for those committed to improving their fitness levels.

Ahmed Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Al Hamriyah Club, acknowledged the Sharjah Sports Council’s pivotal role in supporting the initiative, underscoring the club’s commitment to fostering an active lifestyle during the holy month.

He emphasised the broader impact of sports on both individual well-being and the wider community as the event continues to gain momentum.

The opening session saw participants engage in a series of structured exercises led by trainers from the Al Hamriyah Club gym, providing an opportunity to stay active ahead of Iftar.

(Source: sharjah24.ae, KT)

Sports

ICC Championship trophy final: What if weather plays spoilsport for New Zealand, India match?

Published

21 hours ago

March 7, 2025

Michael Gomes

With rain disrupting multiple matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are on the weather as India and New Zealand prepare for the March 9 final in Dubai. While Pakistan saw three washouts, Dubai has remained dry so far—but could that change on the big day?

What’s the weather forecast?

According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), there will be a change in the weather, as temperatures are expected to decrease over some western coastal areas, on Sunday and Monday, March 9 and 10. Some coastal, western and island areas can expect light rainfall on Sunday and Monday.

What happens if rain interrupts play?

If bad weather halts play on March 9, the ICC has scheduled a Reserve Day (March 10). Any match stoppages will see play resume from where it left off.

What if the rain washes out both days?

Unlike the semifinals — where the higher-placed group team advanced—the final cannot be decided this way. If no play is possible on both days, India and New Zealand will share the trophy.

Fans, however, are hoping for clear skies. Team Indian and the Black Caps last clashed for the white-ball tournament final in 2000 when Champions Trophy was called the ICC Knockout Trophy. New Zealand claimed their first ICC title with a four-wicket win over India.

(Source: TOI, Mint)

Sports

India have edge in Dubai, says Shami, as final tickets vanish in two hours

Published

2 days ago

March 6, 2025

Michael Gomes

India’s ace fast bowlerMohammed Shami has openly acknowledged that playing all their matches in Dubai has given his side a crucial edge in the ICC Champions Trophy – a viewpoint that stands in stark contrast to the rebuttals issued by captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Shami, India’s standout bowler in the tournament with eight wickets from four matches, admitted that being stationed at a single venue has played in the team’s favour.

“It has definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch,” Shami said after India’s semi-final victory over Australia in Dubai.

“It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue. The main thing is to gauge the conditions and know how the pitch behaves because you are playing at one venue and you can get to know it well.”

However, Gambhir was quick to dismiss suggestions that India have benefited from an unfair advantage. Responding to criticism from certain past and present players, the former opener did not mince his words.

“I know there’s a lot of debate about the undue advantage. But what is an undue advantage? First of all, this is as much of a neutral venue for us as it is for any other team. I don’t remember the last time we played a tournament at this stadium,” Gambhir told the media.

“We haven’t even trained here – we’ve been at the ICC Academy, where the conditions are completely different. Some people are just perpetual cribbers. So, I feel we didn’t have any undue advantage.”

Controversy over venue

Under the Hybrid Model introduced for the tournament, India have played all their matches in Dubai, including the semi-final and upcoming final, while the rest of the competition has been split across three venues in Pakistan. Critics argue that this has spared India the fatigue of travel and allowed them to capitalise on the spin-friendly surfaces at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Sold-out finals

Meanwhile, the clamour for final tickets reached a fever pitch, with all seats for the game on March 9 selling out within just two hours. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with a capacity of 25,000, has seen near-full attendance for India’s matches.

Unsurprisingly, India’s passionate fan base in the UAE has ensured an energetic atmosphere at every fixture, further strengthening their sense of home advantage. As the final looms, the debate over whether this has tilted the tournament in India’s favour is unlikely to subside any time soon.

(Source: News18, ETV)