ISLAMABAD: New Zealand’s middle-order batter Rachin Ravindra has predicted that New Zealand and Australia will play the grand finale in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played on March 9, 2025, in Pakistan.
While he skillfully sidestepped choosing between the world’s No. 1 ODI side, India, and the host nation, Pakistan, Ravindra confidently championed a Kiwis-Kangaroos clash for the championship.
He expressed unwavering faith in the competitive prowess of both teams, asserting they possess the capability to battle their way to the tournament’s pinnacle and contend for the coveted trophy.
“It’s tough to predict the finalists because you naturally want to root for New Zealand since you’re part of the team. Hopefully, we’ll be there. We’ll take it one game at a time, and it’s hard to overlook formidable opponents like Australia,” Ravindra remarked.
Ravindra, who has 945 runs and 18 wickets from 28 ODIs, is excited about the opportunity to represent New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025.
“You always play cricket to try and push yourselves and try and win the game, so for every game to have that onus on it is great,” he added.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—along with Dubai.
The tournament features 15 matches with eight teams divided into two groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia
The tournament will kick off with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi.
New Zealand Champions Trophy Schedule
Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan — 19 February
Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan — 24 February
New Zealand vs India, Dubai — 2 March
