Dubai (Web Desk): India made history with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, clinching the title for the third time.
The win, saw the Men in Blue dominate in both batting and bowling, adding another prestigious trophy to their collection, having won all four matches played there in the tournament.
Chasing a target of 252, India never looked in trouble, comfortably reaching the target with six wickets and six balls to spare.
The opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone for the chase, with the duo putting on 105 runs before the first wicket fell. Sharma was the aggressor, scoring 76 off 83 balls, while Gill made a steady 31 from 50 deliveries before falling to a brilliant catch by Glenn Phillips.
India’s top order briefly stumbled as Virat Kohli (1) and Sharma (76) were dismissed in quick succession. But the middle order responded well, with Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel putting together a vital 61-run stand to steady the innings. Iyer was dismissed for 48 off 62 balls, while Patel contributed 29 from 40 balls. With the game still in the balance, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul took charge, with Rahul remaining cool under pressure to guide India home with an unbeaten 34 off 33 balls.
On the bowling front, New Zealand’s attack failed to contain the Indian batsmen, despite Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell each taking two wickets. Kyle Jamieson and Rachin Ravindra also chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand, after winning the toss, decided to bat first against India and could only muster 251/7 in their 50 overs, despite a gutsy half-century from Daryl Mitchell. The Blackcaps got off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 57 runs between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, but India’s bowlers quickly turned the tide. Kuldeep Yadav broke the stand, dismissing Ravindra and Kane Williamson in consecutive overs to reduce New Zealand to 75/3.
Mitchell anchored the innings with a patient 63 from 101 balls, while Michael Bracewell played a quickfire 53* off 40 balls to provide some late resistance.
However, India’s bowlers, led by Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, restricted the Blackcaps and kept them under control. Yadav and Chakravarthy claimed two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami added one scalp apiece. Despite Mitchell’s efforts, New Zealand’s total proved insufficient to defend.
Teams
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Nathan Smith