India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy final: Dubai weather forecast, pitch report, and head-to-head record

India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy final: Dubai weather forecast, pitch report, and head-to-head record (BCCI Photo)

India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy final: The stage is set for the blockbuster finale between India and New Zealand at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in Dubai on Saturday. India are unbeaten in the tournament, which also include a win against New Zealand in the group stage of the tournament.

Heading into the finals, India will hope for a similar outcome but the task will be tough given Kiwis phenomenal record in the tournament. The hiccup against India was the only instance New Zealand failed to cross the line, otherwise the team have most dictated the show irrespective of the opponent.

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India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy final: Dubai weather forecast

The weather in Dubai on Sunday is ideal for cricket with no signs of rain. It will be a warm day with the temperature hovering around 30-33 degree Celsius. There could be dew in the evening but the chances of having an impact should be negligible.

India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy final: Pitch report

The pitch in Dubai has been on the slower side and we have witnessed low-scoring encounters at the venue during the course of the tournament. The final will be played on the same track, which was used during India vs Pakistan in the group stage. Conditions will be spin friendly and pacers can make an impact with their variations.

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India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy final: Head-to-Head

If we look at the head-to-head record, both teams have engaged in 119 ODIs out of which India have won 61, while New Zealand have emerged victorious 50 times. One match ended in a tie, while seven produced no results.

The equation shifts to six-all in ICC events in the 12 matches between the two teams. Meanwhile, New Zealand brag of a 3-1 record in ICC knockout matches against India - Champions Trophy final in 2000, the 2019 World Cup semi-final, and the WTC final in 2023. India's only win came in the 2023 World Cup semifinal.