March 7, 2025: As India gears up to face New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9, all eyes will be on middle-order stalwart Shreyas Iyer, who has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament. Iyer's ability to balance caution with aggression has made him one of the most consistent performers in the 50-over format, and he will be crucial for India's chances in the final.
The highly anticipated clash between India and New Zealand promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams in excellent form. India remains undefeated in the tournament, while New Zealand has displayed solid performances under the leadership of Mitchell Santner. This final will be a chance for India to avenge past defeats to the Kiwis, including their loss in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.
Iyer has a stellar record against New Zealand in ODI cricket. In nine ODIs against the Kiwis, he has accumulated 563 runs in eight innings at an average of 70.37 and a strike rate of 100.71. His performances include two centuries and four fifties, with his highest score being 105. Iyer’s most memorable knock against New Zealand came during the ICC Cricket World Cup semifinals, where he played a blistering 70-ball 105, which included four boundaries and eight sixes. This innings remains the fastest century by a batter in Cricket World Cup knockout stage matches.
In addition to his success in ODIs, Iyer also made his mark in Test cricket with a century against New Zealand on his debut in November 2021. His overall record against the Kiwis stands at 990 runs in 23 innings, with an average of 47.14 and six fifties.
In the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, Iyer is currently the sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 195 runs in four matches, averaging 48.75 and a strike rate of 79.91, including two half-centuries. This year, in seven ODIs, he has scored 376 runs at an average of 53.71 and a strike rate of 96.16, with four half-centuries and a best score of 79.
Iyer’s impressive form and ability to perform in big matches will be crucial for India as they seek to lift the Champions Trophy. His aggressive yet calculated approach, combined with his strong record against New Zealand, makes him one of the key players to watch in the final.
Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by Disha Rojhe
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