The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as Team India is all geared up to take on New Zealand in the title clash on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Although India had already tasted victory against the Kiwis in the group stage, with a convincing 44-run win, they are not going to take their opponents lightly in the final showdown. All eyes will once again be on the in-form Virat Kohli, who has been making waves in the tournament with his remarkable performances. Despite not being able to play a big innings against New Zealand in the group stage, Kohli’s overall record against the Kiwis in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is quite impressive.
Kohli has a golden opportunity to etch his name in the record books by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs scored by an Indian batsman against New Zealand in ODIs. Tendulkar currently holds the top spot with 1750 runs in 41 innings, averaging 46.05, including five centuries and eight half-centuries. Kohli, on the other hand, has accumulated 1656 runs in 32 matches, averaging 57.10, with six centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. If he manages to score 95 runs in the final, he will become the highest run-scorer for India against New Zealand in ODIs.
Here’s a rundown of the top Indian batsmen with the most runs against New Zealand in ODIs:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 1750 runs
- Virat Kohli – 1656 runs
- Virender Sehwag – 1157 runs
- Mohammad Azharuddin – 1118 runs
- Sourav Ganguly – 1079 runs
Kohli has been in scintillating form in the Champions Trophy 2025, averaging 72.33 with 217 runs in four matches. He is closely followed by Rachin Ravindra, who has also been making a strong case for himself with two centuries and a total of 226 runs. The final match is expected to be a thrilling contest, with both teams vying for the top spot. Currently, England’s Ben Duckett leads the run-scoring charts with 227 runs, but Kohli and Ravindra are hot on his heels. Will Kohli be able to surpass Tendulkar’s record and lead India to victory, or will New Zealand spoil the party? The cricketing world will be watching with bated breath as these two teams clash in the final showdown.