Dubai, March 9, 2025 – India have etched their name in cricketing history yet again by lifting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after an exhilarating showdown against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.
The Men in Blue displayed remarkable composure under pressure to chase down a competitive total, securing a four-wicket victory in a pulsating final.
This encounter was a rematch of their group-stage clash, where India had also triumphed over the Black Caps. Despite New Zealand’s resilience, India’s unwavering determination saw them claim the coveted Champions Trophy title in front of a packed stadium.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 251/7, with crucial contributions from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Michael Bracewell, who reached his half-century off the last ball of the innings. India’s spinners played a pivotal role in restricting the scoring rate, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy scalping two wickets each. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami also chipped in with key breakthroughs, preventing the Kiwis from capitalizing on their early momentum.
New Zealand’s innings began with promise as Will Young and Rachin Ravindra provided a brisk start. However, India’s disciplined bowling soon turned the tide. Varun trapped Young lbw in the eighth over, while Kuldeep’s artistry with the ball dismissed Ravindra for a quickfire 37 and later sent Kane Williamson back with a stunning caught-and-bowled effort. The middle order struggled to accelerate, and despite late aggression from Bracewell, India had successfully curtailed New Zealand’s total to a chaseable target.
In response, India’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laid a strong foundation with a fluent 105-run stand. However, the game took an unexpected twist when Glenn Phillips produced an acrobatic catch to dismiss Gill for 31, off Mitchell Santner’s bowling. Michael Bracewell then trapped Virat Kohli lbw for just 1, shifting momentum back to New Zealand.
Rohit, leading from the front, played a captain’s knock of 76, but his dismissal at the hands of Rachin Ravindra opened the door for the Kiwis. Shreyas Iyer contributed a vital 48 before falling to a sharp catch by Ravindra. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya made brief cameos, but with wickets tumbling, the match remained on a knife’s edge.
It was left to KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to steady the ship. The experienced duo held their nerve, guiding India home with an over to spare, finishing at 254/6. Their composed partnership under pressure ensured that India emerged victorious, claiming their third ICC Champions Trophy title and further solidifying their dominance in world cricket.
New Zealand, already missing their leading wicket-taker Matt Henry due to injury, also suffered a major setback as skipper Kane Williamson was unable to take the field after sustaining a quad injury while batting. Despite a valiant effort by their bowlers, the Black Caps fell short in their quest for glory.
India’s journey to the final was a testament to their consistency and resilience. Remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, they outclassed Australia in the semi-finals to book their spot in the grand finale. New Zealand, despite their loss to India in the group stage, showcased remarkable form en route to the final, including a dominant win over South Africa in the semi-finals.
With this triumph, India have once again proven their mettle on the grand stage, reaffirming their status as one of the world’s premier cricketing powerhouses. As the celebrations continue, the cricketing world will remember this ICC Champions Trophy final as a thrilling contest that highlighted the brilliance, tenacity, and sheer passion of Indian cricket.
Playing XIs:
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), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
