During their respective careers, Wasim Jaffer and Michael Vaughan were competitors on the cricket pitch. However, their relationship has evolved into a more playful rivalry on social media. The former Indian opener and the ex-England captain frequently exchange jabs, providing entertainment for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. As India faced New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, Jaffer and Vaughan were once again engaged in their banter.

Less than two hours prior to the final's commencement, Vaughan declared India as the clear favourite to secure the Champions Trophy, describing them as "far too strong." He expressed his prediction on X, stating, "India to win today .. Far too strong in skill .. #Championstrophy."

Jaffer promptly responded to Vaughan's assertion. He quoted Vaughan's tweet and shared an image of 'Nimbu-Mirchi,' a traditional combination of lemons and chillies believed to protect against malevolent forces and negative influences. This combination is also referred to as a nazar battu, meaning "warder of the evil eye."

History of Jaffer and Vaughan's banter

Jaffer was primarily concerned that Vaughan's remark might jeopardize India's prospects of winning the Champions Trophy after a 12-year hiatus.

Jaffer and Vaughan share a long history, having faced each other in five Test matches. In one encounter in 2002, Vaughan managed to dismiss Jaffer once, a fact that the former England captain frequently referenced during their numerous exchanges on social media.

India and New Zealand locked in mouthwatering final

India and New Zealand are set to compete in a Champions Trophy match for the first time in 25 years. The previous encounter between these two teams took place in Nairobi, where New Zealand emerged victorious, claiming their first ICC trophy. However, this time, analysts suggest that India holds the upper hand due to the conditions in Dubai, their familiarity with the venue—having played all their matches there—and the impressive roster of players capable of capitalizing on these conditions.

In a recent group-stage match at the same venue, India triumphed over New Zealand.

New Zealand began their innings strongly after captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bat first. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young aggressively attacked India's new ball bowlers, Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya. In response, India’s captain Rohit Sharma quickly brought in spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who successfully claimed the crucial wicket of Young for 15 runs. Subsequently, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav dealt significant blows to New Zealand by dismissing Ravindra for 37 and Kane Williamson for 11.

India will enter the final with the same playing XI, while New Zealand has been compelled to make one alteration, as Matt Henry has been ruled out due to an injury sustained during the semi-final.

Read Also: Sachin vs. Kohli: Shastri’s Take on Cricket’s GOAT Battle Before IND vs NZ Showdown

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