Dubai: Team India once again asserted its dominance in international cricket by securing a thrilling 4-wicket win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final.
This victory marks India’s second Champions Trophy title since their triumph over England in 2013.
New Zealand’s Innings: Mitchell and Bracewell Lead the Charge
Batting first, New Zealand put up a steady performance.
- Will Young (15) and Kane Williamson (11) departed early, putting pressure on the batting lineup.
- Tom Latham managed just 14 runs before getting dismissed.
- However, Daryl Mitchell held the innings together with a well-crafted 63.
- Michael Bracewell played a crucial unbeaten knock of 53.
- Rachin Ravindra (37) and Glenn Phillips (34) provided valuable contributions.
- Nathan Smith remained not out on 0 as New Zealand posted 251/7 in their 50 overs.
India’s Bowlers Apply Pressure
India’s bowlers controlled the middle overs effectively:
- Kuldeep Yadav took 2 wickets in his 10-over spell.
- Varun Chakravarthy also claimed 2 wickets, tightening the grip on New Zealand’s innings.
- Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja picked up one wicket each.
- While Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya went wicketless, they applied crucial pressure to restrict the run flow.
India’s Chase: Rohit Sharma Anchors the Innings
Chasing 252, India faced early setbacks but stabilized through experienced batting.
- Rohit Sharma played a captain’s knock, scoring 76 off 83 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes.
- Shubman Gill (31) provided a steady start.
- Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply for 1, disappointing fans.
- Shreyas Iyer played a vital role with 48 runs, steering the innings back on track.
- KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, ensuring a safe finish.
- Axar Patel added 29 runs with an aggressive approach.
- Hardik Pandya (18*) and Ravindra Jadeja (9*) saw India home in 49 overs at 252/6.
Turning Point: Rohit-Iyer Partnership
A 102-run partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer was the game-changer. Despite Kohli’s early dismissal, the duo’s stand provided stability.
Towards the end, Rahul and Jadeja ensured a composed finish.
Champions Trophy 2025 : India Wins Third Title
With this victory, India secured its third Champions Trophy:
- 2002 – Shared title with Sri Lanka.
- 2013 – Defeated England to win the trophy.
- 2025 – Clinched victory over New Zealand.
Key Performers
- Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma (76 runs)
- Player of the Series: Kuldeep Yadav (11 wickets)
- Best Bowling Performance: Varun Chakravarthy (2/43)
- Match-Defining Partnership: Rohit Sharma & Shreyas Iyer (102 runs)
Nationwide Celebrations
Fans across Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru took to the streets in celebration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on their victory via social media.
Next Target: T20 World Cup 2027
After this major win, India now sets its sights on the T20 World Cup 2027. Captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid see this triumph as a stepping stone to future success.