Former Pakistani cricketers Wasim Akram and Misbah Ul Haq have picked their favorites to win the Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 09 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) in Dubai. Also, the South African batting stalwart David Miller voiced his prediction for the high-stakes clash.
The ninth edition of the tournament is nearing a thrilling climax with India and New Zealand set to battle for the championship crown after 25 years.
While India booked their spot in the final with a thrilling 4-wicket victory against Australia, New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs with their all-round performance to secure their place in the grand finale for the third time.
Wasim Akram Picks the Champions Trophy 2025 Winner
Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram opened up on his thoughts about the most awaited Champions Trophy 2025 final, pointing out India’s slim chances of winning against New Zealand.
The ex-Pakistani pacer indicated that despite India’s higher chances of success in Dubai, New Zealand’s recent experience at the same venue and their formidable spin attack could threaten the Indian batting unit. In other words, the Kiwis’ ability to adapt to challenging conditions enhances their winning potential. Here’s what Akram said:
“Yeah! I am confident that the match will be on a 60:40 ratio. It means that 60% for India and 40% for New Zealand. But, I believe that the Kiwis are the strong contenders as they have played in Dubai and are familiar with the conditions.
In addition, New Zealand’s bowling line-up consists of three spinners who can challenge the Indian batting line-up. In such conditions, it would be tough to guarantee that India is going to triumph in the final match,” the 58-year-old cricketer turned commentator said on Ten Sports.
Misbah-ul-Haq names his favorite to win Champions Trophy 2025 Final
Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq shared his opinion about the highly competitive clash admitting the strengths of both teams. The 50-year-old clarified that both the teams have been performing at their best levels and have a well-balanced squad to adapt to the conditions.
While Misbah believes India with a 100% winning rate in the tournament is the favorite to lift the trophy, he cautioned that the Black Caps are capable enough to exhibit a surprising performance. Therefore, the final could become a highly tight contest rather than a one-sided rivalry. Here’s what the ex-Pakistani batter said:
“See! The top two best teams are competing against each other in the final with a balanced squad that can adapt according to the situation. As India played quality cricket with complete confidence, they are favorites to win the trophy, having familiarized the conditions in Dubai.
But, New Zealand is one such team that shouldn’t be underestimated as they are capable enough to triumph over India. Just look at the way the Kiwi cricketers have played. I believe that the final match will be a tight contest,” Misbah said.
David Miller Reveals His Favorite to Triumph the CT 2025 Final in Dubai
After South Africa’s shocking elimination from the second semi-final against New Zealand, David Miller showed his support for Mitchell Santner’s led side in the final.
The 35-year-old left-handed batter who scored the fastest century in Champions Trophy history with his 67-ball hundred in the semi-final, expressed his disappointment in missing the final match against India. He confessed that the travel issues and busy schedule caused South Africa to struggle in the knockouts. Here’s what Miller said:
“Look! It’s not like we have traveled five hours and had sufficient time to refresh and start our preparation. The situation was not ideal as it was an hour and 40 minutes of flight. On Sunday afternoon (March 02), we left for Dubai from Karachi and reached Lahore on Monday (March 03) early morning. We had to fly early in the morning after the match, arrived in Dubai at 04 pm, and had to come back at 07:30 am the next day (March 04),” the South African middle-order batter said.
Furthermore, Miller accepted the fact that New Zealand deserved a spot in the final for playing outstanding cricket and said would support the Black Caps to win the trophy on Sunday (March 09):
“Yes! To be honest with you all, I dedicate my support to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final,” David Miller concluded the conversation.
Final Thoughts
With the Champions Trophy 2025 final left with less than 24 hours to commence, the cricketing world is eager to enjoy one of the most thrilling finals in the ICC tournament history.
Also, this is Team India’s fourth and their hattrick of appearances in the Champions Trophy final, having won only the 2013 edition of the tournament under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
On the other side, New Zealand strives to conclude India’s unbeaten streak at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which makes the social media platforms flooded with predictions and discussions.
Earlier, the Black Caps won their first-ever Champions Trophy title in the 2000 edition by triumphing over the men-in-blue by 4 wickets and concluded as the runner-up of the 2009 season by losing to Australia by 6 wickets.
Ultimately, these two heavyweights of ODI cricket are set for an intense battle to win the prestigious trophy for the second time.