India triumphs over New Zealand to clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title
India emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a tense contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 251 on a slow, turning pitch, India’s top order fired early, but a mid-innings collapse threatened their chase before a composed effort from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja sealed the victory. With this win, India secured its third ICC Champions Trophy title, adding to its rich legacy in international cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Explosive Start Sets the Tone
India’s chase was anchored by skipper Rohit Sharma, who provided a blazing start alongside Shubman Gill in a 105-run opening stand. Rohit, who smashed 76 off 83 balls, dominated the initial phase, making light work of New Zealand’s pace attack. With Matt Henry unavailable due to injury, New Zealand struggled to contain the Indian captain. The first eight overs saw Rohit amass 47 runs, forcing New Zealand to turn to spin early.
However, the introduction of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell changed the game. Shubman Gill fell for 31, caught brilliantly by Glenn Phillips, while Virat Kohli’s struggle continued, as he was trapped LBW for just one by Bracewell. These wickets in quick succession put India under pressure at 106/2.
New Zealand Fights Back with Spin
Rohit, who had slowed down after the early assault, attempted to counterattack Rachin Ravindra but was stumped after failing to reach the pitch of the ball. At 122/3, the game was finely poised. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied India’s innings, adding 62 crucial runs. New Zealand had opportunities to break the partnership earlier—Kyle Jamieson dropped a sitter at long-on when Iyer was on 44, allowing India to stay in control.
Iyer eventually perished for 48 off 62, mistiming a shot off Santner. Patel followed soon after, miscuing a lofted shot off Bracewell. With India needing 48 runs from 48 balls, the match was still in the balance.
Rahul and Pandya Steer India Home
With the required run rate creeping up, KL Rahul played a composed innings, finding crucial boundaries to keep India on track. Hardik Pandya’s aggressive 18 off 18 balls kept New Zealand from tightening their grip, but he fell to Jamieson’s well-directed bouncer.
At 241/6, India needed just 11 runs off 15 balls, and Jadeja and Rahul ensured there were no further hiccups. A composed finish saw India chase down the target in 49 overs, handing them their seventh senior ICC title.
New Zealand’s Batting Struggles Against Indian Spinners
Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s innings was derailed by India’s spin quartet, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav leading the attack. After a strong start by Rachin Ravindra (37) and Will Young (15), India’s spinners applied relentless pressure. Kuldeep’s first delivery removed Ravindra, and soon after, he dismissed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (11) with a return catch.
At 75/3, New Zealand was forced into a defensive mode, as Tom Latham (14) and Daryl Mitchell (63) attempted to rebuild. India’s spinners bowled a staggering 37% of their deliveries within the stumps, ensuring that New Zealand’s batters were always under pressure.
Mitchell’s determined 101-ball 63 was the backbone of New Zealand’s innings. He stitched together a crucial 57-run stand with Glenn Phillips (34) before Phillips was cleaned up by Chakaravarthy. Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 off 40 balls gave New Zealand late momentum, taking them to 251/7 in 50 overs.
India’s Clinical Bowling Performance
Despite early aggression from New Zealand’s top order, India’s bowlers maintained control. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) were the standout performers, consistently attacking the stumps and forcing mistakes. Ravindra Jadeja (1/30) and Axar Patel (0/29) bowled economically, choking New Zealand’s scoring rate in the middle overs. Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya supported well, ensuring that New Zealand’s total remained within chaseable limits.
A Hard-Fought Victory to Remember
With this victory, India reaffirmed its dominance in global cricket, winning the ICC Champions Trophy for the third time. New Zealand, despite putting up a resilient fight, fell just short. Rohit Sharma’s aggressive start, India’s spin attack, and KL Rahul’s calm finishing touch proved to be the key factors in the win.
Match Summary:
New Zealand: 251/7 (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-45, Kuldeep Yadav 2-40)*
India: 254/6 (Rohit Sharma 76, Shreyas Iyer 48; Mitchell Santner 2-46, Michael Bracewell 2-28)
Result: India won by 4 wickets.
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