India and New Zealand are set to square off in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday (March 9) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India are on an unbeaten streak in the eight-team competition so far. After beating Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group-stage, the Men in Blue outplayed Australia in the semi-final to make their third successive appearance in the Champions Trophy final.

On the other hand, the Kiwis were dominant in all the games they played in Pakistan and gave India a tough fight in the Group A match last week.

Ahead of the marquee clash, former cricketers Wasim Akram and Ajay Jadeja have sent a warning to the Indian team to not take New Zealand lightly.

Akram said India are favorites to clinch the coveted title but not by a big margin as New Zealand have a fair idea of the Dubai conditions, having played a group match in Dubai.

“No they will not (get a pitch like Lahore in Dubai) but they have an idea what sort of wicket they are going to get (in Dubai). They will probably prepare much better for that pitch against India,” Akram said on the Dressing Room show.

“It won’t be easy for India. India will be favourites but not by a huge margin. It won’t be 70-30 in India’s favour. It will be much like 60-40 because New Zealand have played in Dubai.”

The legendary Pakistan pacer also added that captain Mitchel Santner’s personality has helped in bringing in a calming effect in the New Zealand side.

“As a person Santner and (Kane) Williamson are very calm people and it brings a calming effect. There are clam people and lazy, these guys are calm ones,” Akram added.

Ex-India batter Jadeja endorsed Akram’s views, stating that the Kiwis are the only team which can challenge India in Dubai conditions as their batters like Rachin Ravindra and Williamson are good players of spin.

“I feel if there’s a team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand. They have more bases covered (than South Africa). Their batting, forget (Glenn) Phillips, Rachin and Williamson play spin well. In these conditions if there’s a team that can challenge India, it’s New Zealand. There’s no doubt about it,” Jadeja said on the same show.