Revealed: What will happen if India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy final 2025 gets washed out?

The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final clash between India and New Zealand is just hours away. Notably, the Champions Trophy final has a reserve day, but fans are eager to know what happens if rain plays spoilsport at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.

India have reached the summit clash of the ongoing tournament undefeated. They also beat New Zealand in the group-stage match. Meanwhile, the BlackCaps secured victory over South Africa to reach the final match. Notably, New Zealand have had the upper hand against India in ICC tournaments.

What Will Happen if ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final Clash Gets Washed Out?

The Champions Trophy has already witnessed multiple washouts, especially in Pakistan's conditions. On the other hand, Dubai has not experienced any rain or overcast conditions so far. However, as per tournament regulations, a reserve day has been scheduled for the final in case weather disrupts play.

The Champions Trophy playing conditions allow for a maximum of two additional hours in the original playing time to help produce a result. Both teams must bat at least 20 overs for a match to have an outcome. However, this threshold has been increased to 25 overs per side for the final match.

Playing Conditions for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

“If play is interrupted on the scheduled day, the umpires shall use the available extra time and, if necessary, reduce the number of overs to try to achieve a result on that day,” the ICC playing conditions for the final read.

“In making their decisions in relation to ground, weather and light, the umpires shall aim to maximise play on the scheduled day of the match in order to achieve a result on that day, as if there was no Reserve Day available.”

“Each team must have had the opportunity to bat for a minimum of twenty-five (25) overs for a result to be achieved. If play has not resumed by the cut-off time required to allow the minimum number of overs to be bowled to achieve a result on the scheduled day, play shall be abandoned for the day and the Reserve Day shall be used to either complete or replay the match. If the Reserve Day is used to continue an incomplete match the Reserve Day shall be used.”

India-New Zealand Knockout Matches Have Frequently Used Reserve Days

Rain is not expected to affect the upcoming final. However, if bad weather interrupts play, the reserve day will come into effect. The 2002 Champions Trophy final between India and Sri Lanka was affected by rain. Persistent rain forced both teams to be declared joint winners despite using the reserve day.

India and New Zealand have a history of reserve days being used in their knockout matches in ICC events. Rain disrupted their 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final in Manchester and the 2021 World Test Championship final in Southampton. However, India ended up on the losing side in both matches.

Also read: IPL 2025- Ottis Gibson joins this team days before the tournament