NEW DELHI: The 2025 Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand is set for March 9 in Dubai. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has shared his prediction for the winner of the highly anticipated match.
India secured their spot by defeating Australia, while New Zealand overcame South Africa to reach the final. Clarke expects a competitive game but believes India will emerge victorious.
โI am going to say India to win the ICC Champions Trophy. It is going to be a good game,โ Clarke stated on the โBeyond23 Cricket Podcastโ.
ALSO READ: ICC player of the month: Top Performers of February 2025
He also identified Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav as key players for India in the final.
โI think Gill will score a hundred. He looked good against Australia. Kuldeep Yadav is a skillful bowler with a great wrongโun,โ Clarke added.
New Zealandโs Challenge in 2025 Champions Trophy
Clarke believes New Zealand will struggle to beat India in Dubai. However, he acknowledged that their prior experience in similar conditions could offer a slight advantage.
โThe advantage for New Zealand is that they have played India before in the tournament. If they analyze Australiaโs mistakes, an extra 30 runs could make a difference,โ he explained.
He also pointed out that New Zealand must be tactically sharp and play fearless cricket if they hope to challenge India in the final.
โNew Zealand must focus on attacking Indiaโs batting lineup early. If they can pick quick wickets in the powerplay and restrict the Indian top order, they can put themselves in a strong position,โ Clarke remarked.
The former Australian captain advised New Zealand to take an aggressive approach if they hope to win.
โYou must attack India. Bowl them out, be aggressive with tactics. If New Zealand follows these fundamentals, they can win. But I donโt think they will,โ Clarke concluded.
As the 2025 Champions Trophy final approaches, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for what promises to be an electrifying contest between two strong teams.
