The India vs Pakistan encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025 has once again proven why it remains one of the most intense and eagerly awaited rivalries in the world of sports. The high-voltage clash, which took place on February 23 in Dubai, shattered television viewership records, drawing an unprecedented 20.6 crore viewers on TV. This remarkable figure makes it the second most-watched cricket match in Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) history outside of World Cup matches. The sheer scale of engagement underscores the unmatched passion and fervor that this rivalry evokes among cricket fans across the globe.
The match not only surpassed previous viewership records but also outperformed the 50-over India vs Pakistan clash during the Cricket World Cup 2023. According to JioHotstar, the official broadcaster, the Television Rating (TVR) for this fixture was approximately 11 percent higher than the corresponding World Cup match held in Ahmedabad. Such an increase in ratings highlights the growing appetite for marquee clashes, with the India-Pakistan rivalry remaining the centerpiece of international cricket, drawing millions to their screens each time the two teams face off.
Adding to the spectacle, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli etched his name into the record books yet again, becoming the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Known for his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure games, Kohli delivered a sensational performance, scoring his 51st ODI century and guiding India to a resounding six-wicket victory. Chasing a target of 242, India made light work of the run chase, wrapping up the match in just 42.3 overs. Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression and precision, reaffirming his stature as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. His heroics not only secured India’s win but also further cemented the team's dominance over Pakistan in ICC tournaments.
The viewership numbers for this epic showdown were equally staggering. The match registered a mind-boggling 2,609 crore minutes of total TV watch time, reflecting the unwavering interest and engagement it generated among fans. Cricket enthusiasts across the world were glued to their screens, celebrating every moment of the contest, from the early breakthroughs to Kohli’s match-winning century.
While India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular, their arch-rivals Pakistan had a tournament to forget. Despite technically being the host nation, Pakistan failed to register a single win and bowed out of the competition in the group stage, marking a disappointing end to their journey. The team’s inability to perform under pressure raised several questions about their future in global tournaments, with fans and analysts calling for introspection and structural changes within the squad.
With this commanding victory, India has secured a spot in the final, where they will face New Zealand on March 9 in Dubai. The summit clash promises to be an enthralling encounter, as the two teams meet in the Champions Trophy final for the first time in 25 years. The last time India and New Zealand played in a knockout final was in 2000, during the ICC Knockout Trophy in Nairobi. On that occasion, a magnificent century from Chris Cairns guided New Zealand to their first and only major ICC title in men’s cricket, breaking Indian hearts. However, this time around, India will be determined to rewrite history and exact revenge for that loss.
The Indian team heads into the final brimming with confidence, especially after having already defeated New Zealand in the group stage of the tournament. One of the standout performances in that game came from Varun Chakravarthy, who dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup with a sensational five-wicket haul. His spell played a pivotal role in India’s dominant win, and the team will be hoping for a repeat performance in the final.
The anticipation surrounding the India vs New Zealand final is immense, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will be looking to cap off an incredible campaign by lifting the prestigious Champions Trophy. On the other hand, New Zealand, known for their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion in ICC events, will be eager to claim their second major ICC title.
As cricket fever reaches its peak, the final showdown between these two formidable teams is set to be a battle of skill, strategy, and nerves. Will India add another ICC trophy to their illustrious cabinet, or will New Zealand emerge victorious once again? The stage is set for an electrifying clash on March 9, and cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for what could be a match for the ages.
