.jpeg)
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, New Zealand set a challenging target of 252 runs for India, concluding their innings at 251/7 after 50 overs. The highly anticipated clash between two cricketing giants unfolded at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where thousands of fans witnessed an intense battle for the coveted title.
India triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets, successfully chasing the target with an over to spare. The victory was spearheaded by captain Rohit Sharma, who delivered a commanding knock of 76 runs, anchoring India’s innings at a crucial juncture. His efforts not only laid the foundation for the chase but also earned him the Player of the Match award. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s rising star, Rachin Ravindra, was recognized as the Player of the Tournament for his stellar all-round performance, scoring 263 runs and taking three wickets throughout the competition.
The chase began on a strong note for India as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill forged a 105-run opening partnership, setting a steady platform. Sharma, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, found his rhythm when it mattered most, playing with confidence and authority. However, just as India appeared to be cruising, New Zealand struck back. Mitchell Santner provided the breakthrough, dismissing Gill for 31 runs after a cautious 50-ball stay.
The pressure escalated when Virat Kohli, India’s most consistent performer in the tournament, fell cheaply for just one run. Michael Bracewell’s sharp delivery forced Kohli into a misjudged shot, leading to his early dismissal and sending shockwaves through the Indian dugout. From a comfortable 107/1, India suddenly found themselves in a tricky position at 107/2.
Despite the setback, Sharma continued his aggressive stroke play, hammering three sixes in a well-paced 76-run knock. But just as he seemed set for a big score, his dismissal came in an unusual fashion—caught out of his crease after edging a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, with Tom Latham completing a sharp catch behind the stumps. His departure at 122/3 momentarily tilted the momentum back in New Zealand’s favor.
With the game delicately poised, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel stepped up, stitching together a vital 61-run stand that steadied the innings. Iyer, looking fluent, appeared set for a well-deserved half-century when Santner struck again, dismissing him for 48—just two runs short of the milestone. This dismissal, coming shortly after Iyer was dropped on 46, left India at 183/4, keeping the contest alive.
As the tension mounted, Bracewell struck again, removing Axar Patel for 29, reigniting New Zealand’s hopes. At 195/5, India still needed 57 runs to win, with only five wickets remaining. But just when nerves started creeping in, Lokesh Rahul and Hardik Pandya absorbed the pressure and took control of the chase. Their composed partnership ensured India crossed the finish line without further hiccups, securing their third Champions Trophy title in history.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to post a formidable total. However, their innings began on a shaky note, further compounded by the unavailability of fast bowler Matt Henry due to a shoulder injury. India, sticking to the winning combination that had brought them success against Australia in the semi-final, banked on their four-pronged spin attack—a strategy that proved decisive on Dubai’s sluggish surface.
Rachin Ravindra led the charge for New Zealand, capitalizing on a couple of early reprieves—Mohammed Shami dropped a return catch, while Shreyas Iyer missed a chance in the deep. Ravindra took the attack to the Indian bowlers, smashing Shami for a six and two boundaries in quick succession. However, his luck ran out when Kuldeep Yadav’s deceptive googly trapped him for 37, breaking a promising stand.
Moments later, Kuldeep struck again, this time removing New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson, caught and bowled for just 11. At 75/3, New Zealand found themselves in trouble, requiring a steadying partnership. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham attempted to rebuild, but just as they pushed the score past 100, Ravindra Jadeja delivered another crucial blow, dismissing Latham for 14.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, New Zealand needed a resilient effort, and Mitchell rose to the occasion, forging key partnerships with Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell. Phillips contributed a valuable 34 before being undone by Varun Chakravarthy’s sharp turn, while Mitchell himself battled on, reaching 63 before falling to Shami.
In the latter stages, Bracewell provided a late flourish, scoring an attacking 53 that included three fours and two sixes. His efforts ensured New Zealand crossed the 250-run mark, giving their bowlers a fighting total to defend.
However, on a night when India’s batting depth and experience shone through, the total proved insufficient. The measured approach by the Indian middle order, coupled with Sharma’s leadership, ensured that India remained unbeaten in Dubai, adding yet another ICC trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
Playing XI:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith.