NZ vs SA Semifinal: In a thrilling showdown at Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand delivered a commanding performance, crushing South Africa by a huge margin in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
With this decisive victory, the Kiwis have booked their spot in the grand finale, where they will take on India in a high-stakes battle for glory at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9.
The Kiwi batter set the big total and gave a lot of room to their bowlers. Kane and Rachin Ravindra starred at the top, and Glenn Phillips gave the finishing touches to get past 350. Mitchell Santner bowled exceptional spells and dismantled the middle order. David Miller gave his all in the chase, but it was New Zealand who defeated South Africa to seal the deal.
<h2>New Zealand vs South Africa Match Summary</h2>
New Zealand won the toss, and Santner had no doubt to bat first. The captain made the call, and the batters delivered at the top. After Will Young's wicket inside the powerplay, South Africa hustled for the next 15 overs to get the second wicket. The commanding partnership between Rachin and Kane Williamson set the stage for the middle order to put forth a big total against the Proteas. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202503/image_430x256_67c87c194596b.jpg" alt="">
Rachin and Kane both smacked thundering centuries, carrying a strike rate of over 100. After Rachin's dismissal, Daryl Mitchell came and gave pace to the momentum, smacking a valuable 49 off 37 balls. Mulder removed Williamson and Latham followed him soon. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202503/image_430x256_67c87c1d67a2a.jpg" alt="">
At that time, it seemed like New Zealand would post around 300, but Phillips had other ideas. Phillips wreaked havoc in the last five overs that took New Zealand's score past 350. Glenn Phillips smashed 49 unbeaten in just 27 balls. Lungi Ngidi was the most successful bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets. South Africa had 363 to chase in 50 overs.
It was a batting track for sure, and South Africa lost their in-form opener Ryan <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/13070/ryan-rickelton" title="View profile of Ryan Rickelton" class="cb-text-link">Rickelton</a> under 20 runs. Skipper Bavuma and Van Der Dussen stitched a 105-run partnership. Just when everyone expected that South Africa would press the accelerator, Santner got the better of Bavuma (56). Santner bowled out Van Der Dussen soon for a well-made 69. 
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South Africa lost quick wickets after that, and all of a sudden, New Zealand took control of the match. David Miller tried his best from one end, but wickets kept falling at the other end. David Miller smoked a fabulous last-ball century, but it went in vain as NEW ZEALAND defeated SOUTH AFRICA by 50  runs.
<h2>IND vs NZ Final on March 9</h2>
India defeated Australia in the first Semifinal at Dubai International Stadium by 4 wickets. Today, after defeating South Africa, New Zealand have reached the final. It is going to be INDIA VS NEW ZEALAND in the final of ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025.
The match will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9. The match is set to start at 2:30 IST.

NZ vs SA: New Zealand Stuns South Africa, Sets Up IND vs NZ Final in ICC Champions Trophy 2025!

New Zealand outclassed South Africa by 50 runs to storm into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. Their composed knockout performance contrasts with South Africa’s recurring struggles in ICC semi-finals and finals.

New Zealand’s dominant 50-run win seals their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final spot, while South Africa endures another heartbreaking knockout loss. Take a look at the match summary of the NZ vs SA Semifinal

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India vs New Zealand: The internet is abuzz with media reports on the much-anticipated India vs. New Zealand final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This is the fourth time in two years that India has qualified for the final of an ICC tournament. 
Ahead of the final clash, India is reported to play its first game against New Zealand in an ICC limited-overs tournament after more than two decades. The two teams last met in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_ICC_KnockOut_Trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2000 ICC Knockout Trophy</a>, where the Blackcaps, led by Stephen Fleming, emerged as champions. 
Before the India vs. New Zealand final match, India had never lost a single ODI match in Dubai. First in the 2018 Asia Cup and now in the Champions Trophy 2025, both under skipper Rohit Sharma, India has been undefeated at this venue. Even New Zealand has this record of having won only two ICC finals, both against India. 
https://x.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1897869164905480354
Amid all this anticipation, Star Kiwi pacer Matt Henry, the highest wicket-taker in this edition of the Champions Trophy for the Blackcaps, has emerged as the highlight of their stunning bowling depth, headed by skipper Santner himself. 
Henry faced trouble with his right shoulder when he took a catch diving forward to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen off the ball of skipper Santner; this was also presumed to be one of the most crucial junctures of the game. 
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Henry_(cricketer)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Henry</a>’s availability is under serious doubt as reports from ESPNcricinfo claim the player might be unavailable on the occasion of the final, which might be good news for the Men in Blue since Henry picked a 5-for the last time these two teams met in Dubai on the 2nd of March in the final group-stage encounter of the Champions Trophy. 
https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1897914238460740003
<h2 dir="ltr">Shreyas Iyer might be handed back his BCCI central contract</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202503/image_430x256_67cab0d908a10.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer to earn back his BCCI annual contract" width="783" height="487"></h2>
Star Indian middle-order batter, who was an eminent part of the Indian batting order in the 2023 ICC World Cup, showcased his brilliance with the bat. Despite all, he was snubbed out of the BCCI central contract immediately after the World Cup. 
This raised immense doubts in the heads of cricket fans; however, Iyer didn’t give up as he decided to earn his fame back by playing in the Indian domestic games. Iyer featured in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy and stunned all with his stunning performances in the Vijay Hazare and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syed_Mushtaq_Ali_Trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy</a>, the two limited-overs tournaments in India. 
Sighting his return to the Indian ODI side against England and then his promising performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy has almost forced the selectors and BCCI members to credit his achievements and hand him back his central contract. 
https://x.com/ImTanujSingh/status/1897854878317150660
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/good-news-for-rcb-ahead-of-ipl-2025-star-english-all-rounder-confirms-return-from-injury-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Good News for RCB as Star English all-rounder returns </a>

Star New Zealand pacer Matt Henry doubtful for India vs New Zealand Final

Kiwi pacer Matt Henry is doubtful for India vs New Zealand 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final clash, huge advantage ahead for Rohit Sharma and the boys.

India vs New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final: Star pacer might be ruled out

India vs New Zealand CT Final: Good news ahead of Sunday’s final for India; star Kiwi pacer in doubt over final participation

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The grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is here, and it's the clash cricket fans have been waiting for – India vs New Zealand. The Men in Blue have been in red-hot form, bulldozing through the tournament, while the Kiwis have once again proved why they are the most consistent ICC tournament side.
With history, pride, and the trophy on the line, expect a high-octane battle in Dubai! For India, the key will be handling New Zealand’s sharp fielding and disciplined bowling. The ghosts of 2019 still linger, but this Indian team is different—determined, fearless, and ready to script history. While New Zealand has a simple mantra to be disciplined and execute their plans well.
<h2>IND vs NZ Final Match Details</h2>
<ul>
<li>Date &amp; Time: March 9, 2025, 13:00 Local | 02:30 PM IST</li>
<li>Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium</li>
<li>Live Streaming: Star Sports Channels and JIOHotstar App</li>
</ul>
<h2>Pitch Report &amp; Playing Conditions</h2>
Dubai's surface has been a paradise for spinners, making stroke play tricky as the game progresses. Batting first has been the preferred choice, given the slow nature of the pitch and the absence of dew. A score around 260-280 should be competitive, and teams with a strong spin attack will enjoy the conditions.
Key Pitch Factors:  - Slow track, spinners will play a crucial role  - Batting gets harder in the second innings  - Pacers are effective early with swing under lights
<h2>Probable Playing XI</h2>
<h3>India Expected XI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rohit Sharma (C)</li>
<li>Shubman Gill</li>
<li>Virat Kohli</li>
<li>Shreyas Iyer</li>
<li>KL Rahul (WK)</li>
<li>Hardik Pandya</li>
<li>Ravindra Jadeja</li>
<li>Axar Patel</li>
<li>Kuldeep Yadav</li>
<li>Mohammed Shami</li>
<li>Varun Chakravarthy</li>
</ul>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202503/image_430x256_67c7235c4b8a0.jpg" alt="">
Team News: India is likely to stick with the winning combination. With Hardik Pandya’s effectiveness with the new ball, India may go with two pacers and four spinners to dominate in these conditions.
<h3>New Zealand Expected XI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Will Young</li>
<li>Rachin Ravindra</li>
<li>Kane Williamson</li>
<li>Daryl Mitchell</li>
<li>Tom Latham (WK)</li>
<li>Glenn Phillips</li>
<li>Michael Bracewell</li>
<li>Mitchell Santner (C)</li>
<li>Kyle Jamieson</li>
<li>Matt Henry / Nathan Smith</li>
<li>Will O'Rourke</li>
</ul>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202503/image_430x256_67c87c22ccce5.jpg" alt="">
Team News: The biggest concern for the Kiwis is Matt Henry’s fitness. If unfit, Nathan Smith could replace him. Given Dubai’s spin-friendly conditions, New Zealand will rely heavily on Santner and Bracewell.
<h2>Top Fantasy Picks</h2>
India: Virat Kohli – Big-match player, always shines in knockouts Rohit Sharma – Master of ICC finals, great record against NZ Kuldeep Yadav – Wrist spin will be key on the Dubai surface Varun Chakravarthy – Mystery spin could trouble Kiwi batters
New Zealand: Kane Williamson – In sublime form, always delivers under pressure Rachin Ravindra – The X-factor, brilliant all-rounder Mitchell Santner – Controls middle overs, can be handy with the bat Matt Henry – If fit, his swing can be lethal in the powerplay
<h2>IND vs NZ Final: Best Dream11 Team for Grand League</h2>
Captain: Virat Kohli/Mitchell Santner Vice-Captain: Rachin Ravindra/Kane Williamson
Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul, Tom Latham(1) Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Shubman Gill(2) All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Rachin Ravindra, Ravindra Jadeja Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Santner, Varun Chakravarthy
Pick one between (1) and (2)!
India enters the final as the clear favorite, having dominated the tournament. However, New Zealand has a habit of punching above their weight in ICC events, and history shows they have troubled India in big matches. Let's gear up for the exciting final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

India faces New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. With spin-friendly conditions, India's dominant form meets New Zealand’s resilience. Fantasy tips, pitch insights, and Dream11 predictions included!

India battles New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. Pitch report, probable XIs, fantasy tips, and Dream11 predictions for the grand clash!

IND vs NZ Final, Dream11 Prediction, Dubai Pitch Report, Playing Conditions, Fantasy Tips, and More

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The IPL has witnessed explosive batting performances, with some players maintaining exceptional strike rates. Their fearless approach, power-hitting skills, and game-changing abilities make them invaluable assets in the fast-paced T20 format.

TOP 5 Players With Highest Strike Rate In IPL History

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Argentina vs Brazil Highlights : Argentina Crushes Brazil 4-1 in Dominant FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Showdown

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The 5th T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan is on March 26 at Sky Stadium, Wellington. New Zealand leads 3-1 after a dominant win in the 4th match, powered by Bracewell’s quickfire 46* and Duffy’s 4-wicket haul. The pitch favors batting first, with pacers getting more help. Weather is mostly clear with slight rain chances. Top Dream11 picks include Seifert, Allen, Bracewell, and Duffy, with Salman Ali Agha and Bracewell as captaincy options

PAK vs NZ 5th T20 Dream 11 Prediction: Best player picks, captaincy choices and match details

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Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring thriller. Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 powered PBKS to a massive total, while GT’s valiant chase fell short at 232.

Shreyas Iyer's Winning Start for Punjab Kings! Check Updated IPL 2025 Points Table After GT vs PBKS, 5th Match

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NZ vs PAK: The fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan will be played on 26 March at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, which has hosted 22 T20Is—10 won batting first, 12 chasing. The average first-innings score is 153, but high totals like NZ’s 219/6 and successful chases like Australia’s 216 show it can be a batting-friendly ground. Key performers here include Martin Guptill (453 runs) and Ish Sodhi (17 wickets). With chasing slightly favored and spinners often influential, the match could hinge on whether Pakistan’s batters or New Zealand’s home advantage proves decisive.

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