India is all set to face New Zealand in Champions Trophy final and it is for the first time that both the teams will play for the first time in 25 years. New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal at Lahore on March 5, Monday. India was the first team to clinch their final spot as they defeated Australia in first semifinal of Champions Trophy 2025. History has always favoured New Zealand in ICC tournaments against India as they defeated India in 2000 ICC Champions Trophy and then in World Test Championship in 2021. As the two teams prepare for another high-stakes clash, the Kiwis will be aiming to maintain their dominance in ICC finals, while India will be determined to break the pattern.
Nasser Hussain Confident That NZ Will Put Up Strong Show
Nasser Hussain has made a bold prediction and mentioned that New Zealand will be a tough competitor.
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“They will not bottle it, they won’t choke. We were having dinner with [former Australia captain] Aaron Finch and he summed it up pretty well in saying New Zealand are never a side that beat themselves. And by that, he means that they will rock up and they will put in a performance,” said Hussain on Sky Sports.
New Zealand’s Potential To Change The Game
“All the way through the New Zealand lineup they have some very, very tough cricketers who turn up to every single game and give it their absolute best – that’s why they will always be there around semi-finals and finals.”
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A Perfect Balance Of Experience & Youngsters
“They also have that great mixture between senior pros that have been there year in, year out – like Kane Williamson, one of the all-time greats – and youth in the likes of Rachin Ravindra. They may well lose [New Zealand], but if they do, it will be because India beat them,” said Hussain.
