India or New Zealand? Former Pakistan bowler Wahab Riaz picks his favourite to win the Champions Trophy 2025

India and New Zealand are set to face off in the highly anticipated final of the Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue secured their place in the final with a thrilling victory over Australia in the semi-final, while New Zealand delivered a dominant performance to overwhelm South Africa in their knockout clash. In their previous encounter, India emerged victorious with a 44-run win. However, New Zealand have shown a knack for upsetting the subcontinent giants in the knockout stages of ICC tournaments, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this much-anticipated final.

Amidst the build-up for the showdown of the prestigious ICC tournament, former Pakistan cricketer Wahab Riaz has shared his thoughts on who according to him is set to clinch the coveted trophy and outperform the other.

Wahab Riaz chooses his favourite side for the Champions Trophy 2025 final

India have won all their matches in the tournament so far. However, they have often fallen short in crucial encounters in the past. While many former players believe India holds the upper hand, they have also acknowledged that New Zealand cannot be underestimated and the possibility of another Black Caps triumph remains very much alive.

Former Pakistan cricketer Wahab, in particular, believes that New Zealand are currently a more formidable side than India, highlighting their strength and consistency in high-pressure situations.

“New Zealand are looking stronger than India as they always have a clear game plan. They know how to bat and bowl in these conditions. Their batters and bowlers have always delivered in big games. However, I would still give 60-40 in favour of India but you can’t rule out the possibility of a New Zealand win,” Wahab said while commentating during the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy.

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A high-octane journey of the two finalists in the Champions Trophy 2025

India: The Indian team started with a win against Bangladesh in the group A of the Champions Trophy 2025. Their next win came against arch-rivals Pakistan followed by a triumph over New Zealand in the final group stage clash. In the semi-final of the tournament, they were challenged by Australia but an emphatic run-chase from Virat Kohli with contributions from Kl satisfied and Hardik Pandya paved the way for the team’s entry into the final.

New Zealand: The road to the final of the tournament was a bit similar for the Black Caps. After registering a win over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the group stage clashes, a disappointing display from the middle-order led to a defeat in their final group stage match against India.

However, New Zealand made a strong comeback in the semi-final against South Africa courtesy of centuries from Rachin ravindra and Kane Williamson. The Black Caps registered a 50-run win over the Proteas overcoming all odds and secured a place in the final of the tournament.

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