The Champions Trophy 2025 final will take place on Sunday, where India and New Zealand will face each other. This match brings back memories of the 2000 Champions Trophy final, where New Zealand defeated India and broke Indian fans’ hearts. Now, after 25 years, can Team India take revenge?
What Happened in the 2000 Champions Trophy Final?
In the 2000 final, India batted first and scored 264/6 in 50 overs.
- Sourav Ganguly played a brilliant 117-run innings off 130 balls, hitting 9 fours and 4 sixes.
- Sachin Tendulkar also contributed 69 runs off 83 balls, smashing 10 fours and 1 six.
- Rahul Dravid scored 22 runs off 35 balls, while Yuvraj Singh added 18 runs off 19 balls.
With this total, India looked in a strong position to win the match.
Chris Cairns’ Heroics Stunned India
New Zealand’s chase started poorly, as their top 5 batsmen returned to the pavilion with just 132 runs on the board. India seemed to be in full control of the match.
However, Chris Cairns turned the game around with a stunning 102 off 113 balls*.
- He smashed 8 fours and 2 sixes, leading his team to victory.
- Chris Harris supported him with 46 runs, while Nathan Astle scored 37 runs.
For India, Venkatesh Prasad took 3 wickets, while Anil Kumble took 2 and Sachin Tendulkar picked up 1 wicket.
In the end, New Zealand chased the target and won the final, leaving Indian fans heartbroken.
Can India Win This Time?
Now, 25 years later, India has a chance to erase that painful memory. In the group stage, India already defeated New Zealand, but can they repeat their performance in the final?
Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Team India looks strong, but they must play their best cricket to lift the Champions Trophy this time. 🏏🔥
