A 37-year drought. Two painful final defeats. One last shot at redemption. Team India has stormed into ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, but the toughest test still lies ahead. While Rohit Sharma and his men crushed New Zealand in the group stage, the final in Dubai will be a battle of neves and “unfinished business”.
For over three decades, India has failed to beat New Zealand in an ICC tournament final. The last time they managed to do so was in 1988, under Ravi Shastri’s captaincy. Since then, every time India has faced the Kiwis in a title clash, it has ended in heartbreak.
Who can forget the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where MS Dhoni’s teary-eyed exit became an unforgettable image of Indian cricket’s pain. But IND vs NZ CT 2025 final is more than just a match – it’s a chance to avenge past losses and achieve what has never been done before.
India’s ICC Finals curse against New Zealand
India has never beaten New Zealand in an ICC tournament final. The painful memories of two major losses still haunt Indian fans:
In 2000, India fell short in Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
In 2021, Kane Williamson’s side once again denied India in World Test Championship (WTC) final.
New Zealand has won only two ICC trophies in its history, and on both occasions, India was their beaten opponent. Now, the big question remains – can Rohit Sharma finally turn the tide?
The 37-Year drought: Will Rohit Sharma end India’s long wait?
The last time India beat New Zealand in a final of any tournament was in 1988, when Ravi Shastri led India to a 42-run win in the Sharjah Cup final. But since then, the Kiwis have dominated India on the big stage.
In 2000, New Zealand stunned India to win the Champions Trophy.
In 2005, they edged past India in a tri-series final.
In 2021, they broke Indian hearts in the WTC final.
With such history, New Zealand has mastered the art of breaking Indian dreams in finals. But now, Rohit Sharma has a golden opportunity to flip the script. With both form and momentum on Team India’s side, this could finally be the moment when history is rewritten.
