ICC Men’s Champions Trophy Final today!
India will play against New Zealand in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy final today in Dubai.
India last played in the final in 2017 but lost to Pakistan. This time, India made history by reaching the final for the third time in a row. India has won all its matches this season. They beat Australia in the semi-finals. New Zealand won against South Africa to reach the final.
A history of the Champions Trophy
This tournament was first called the ICC Knockout. In 2002, it was renamed ‘ICC Champions Trophy.’
It started in 1998 and happened every two years. After 2009, it changed to every four years. The best eight teams in ICC one-day rankings play in this tournament.
The event begins with two groups. Each group has four teams. The top two teams move to the semi-finals. The winners play in the final.
Who has a better chance of winning?
India and New Zealand have done well in ICC matches. Each team has won six out of ten World Cup and Champions Trophy matches.
India has won 61 one-day matches against New Zealand, while New Zealand has won 50. In this tournament, India already won once against New Zealand.
Is India’s success unfair?
Some people say India had an advantage because all their matches were in Dubai. They think the tournament’s rules, not India’s skill, helped them.
Ex-Indian player Cheteshwar Pujara says India won because of teamwork, not location. He also said India played in Dubai for safety reasons. The ICC, BCCI, and PCB chose Dubai as a fair venue for them.
New Zealand’s coach, Gary Stead, is not worried. He believes his team can play well anywhere.
No matter what, let’s enjoy the final and hope the best team wins!
