India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final: What Happens If Rain Washes Out The Match?
The India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 final is set for an electrifying showdown on March 9 at Dubai International Stadium.
Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner‘s teams showcased outstanding performances throughout the tournament., making it to the final in dominant fashion. India enters the final unbeaten, having defeated Australia convincingly in the semi-final, while New Zealand thrashed South Africa by 50 runs to book their spot.
However, with such a high-stakes match at play, concerns about potential rain delays or washouts have surfaced. Fans are left wondering—what happens if rain disrupts the match?
Will There Be a Reserve Day for the Champions Trophy Final?
Yes, ICC has designated a reserve day for the final. If the match is interrupted by rain on March 9, it will resume on March 10 at Dubai International Stadium.
This rule ensures that the final gets a fair conclusion and avoids a scenario where rain decides the fate of the trophy.
In ICC history, finals have been disrupted by rain before. The most famous example is the Champions Trophy 2002 final between India and Sri Lanka, where rain washed out both the scheduled match and the reserve day, leading to a shared trophy between the two teams.
The ICC wants to avoid a repeat of such a situation, which is why a reserve day has been added for this edition of the tournament.
Weather Forecast for the Final in Dubai
The good news for cricket fans is that rain is not expected to be a major concern. According to AccuWeather.com, the forecast for March 9 predicts:
- Clear skies throughout the day
- Temperatures around 33°C
- No major chances of rain
This is a relief for both teams and fans, as the match is expected to go ahead without weather interruptions.
India vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
India and New Zealand have shared a competitive rivalry over the years. Here’s a look at their overall ODI head-to-head record:
| Matches Played | India Wins | New Zealand Wins | No Result | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 119 | 61 | 50 | 7 | 1 |
India holds a slight edge over New Zealand in terms of wins, but the Blackcaps have proven to be a strong side in ICC tournaments, often pulling off big upsets.
What Happens If The Match Is Completely Washed Out?
If rain prevents play on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, ICC rules state that India and New Zealand will be declared joint winners of the Champions Trophy 2025.
This has happened before in 2002, when India and Sri Lanka had to share the title after two days of washouts. However, with Dubai’s dry climate, the chances of this happening in 2025 are very low.
The India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 final promises to be a thrilling encounter. While weather concerns exist, the presence of a reserve day ensures that a full match can be played.
