March 8, 2025: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final approaches, all eyes are on New Zealand’s captain and star batter, Kane Williamson. 25 years after their first ICC title win, New Zealand is set to battle India for the title once again. This time, however, they are facing an undefeated Men in Blue, who have dominated the tournament so far.
Williamson’s presence at the crease has been vital for the Kiwis throughout the tournament, and his performance has been consistent when it matters most. Despite slow starts against Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Kiwi batter made significant contributions in the crucial matches against India and South Africa. In the group stage, Williamson played a crucial knock of 81 against India, and in the semi-final, he scored an impressive century against South Africa, helping New Zealand to secure their place in the final. With 189 runs from four matches in the tournament, Williamson has proven his ability to step up when his team needs him most.
His impressive record in ICC ODI knockout matches further bolsters New Zealand’s hopes. In nine knockout games, Williamson has scored 379 runs at an average of 47.37, including a century and two fifties. However, despite his incredible consistency, Williamson has struggled in ICC final matches, having scored just 12 and 30 in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup finals, respectively. The New Zealand captain will be hoping to overcome his final-match struggles and deliver the knock of a lifetime in this highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy final.
Williamson has a stellar record against India in ODIs, with 1,228 runs from 30 matches, including one century and 11 fifties. His best score against India is 118, and he will be looking to add another memorable knock to his career against their formidable bowling attack.
As the final looms, the question remains: Will Kane Williamson finally deliver a match-winning performance in an ICC final and help New Zealand claim their second white-ball trophy? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and all eyes will be on Williamson to see if he can once again rise to the occasion.
India, undefeated in the tournament so far, will be looking to avenge their past losses to the Blackcaps in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final. The clash promises to be a thrilling sequel to the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, where New Zealand emerged victorious.
Last Updated on March 8, 2025 by Disha Rojhe
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