India Clinches ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Thrilling Win Over New Zealand

India Lifts the Trophy After Hard-Fought Battle in Dubai

In a gripping final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to claim the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This victory marked India’s continued dominance in the tournament, as they had already defeated the Black Caps in the group stage.

Chasing 252 for victory, India reached the target in 49 overs, finishing at 254/6. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja held their nerve to steer India home after New Zealand’s bowlers threatened to turn the game around with timely breakthroughs.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill Provide a Solid Foundation

India’s run chase began strongly, with captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stitching together a 105-run opening stand. Rohit led from the front, playing a fluent knock of 76 runs off 88 balls, which included eight boundaries and two sixes.

On the other hand, Gill played a more cautious role but contributed a valuable 31 before falling to a brilliant diving catch by Glenn Phillips off Mitchell Santner’s bowling. This wicket triggered a mini-collapse, shifting the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.

Middle-Order Collapse Puts India Under Pressure

Virat Kohli walked in at No. 3 but lasted just four balls before Michael Bracewell trapped him leg-before for a single run. New Zealand sensed an opportunity and tightened their grip on the game.

Rachin Ravindra then dismissed Rohit Sharma, who attempted an aggressive shot down the track but was stumped by wicketkeeper Tom Latham.

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Shreyas Iyer tried to steady the ship with a composed 48 off 61 balls, but when he looked set to take India closer to the target, Ravindra took another sharp catch to send him back. Three overs later, Axar Patel was dismissed for 11, caught by Will O’Rourke off Bracewell’s bowling.

With wickets tumbling regularly, the pressure mounted on the Indian lower middle order. Hardik Pandya provided a brief counterattack, scoring 18 off 18 balls, but he fell in the 48th over, caught and bowled by Kyle Jamieson.

Rahul and Jadeja Hold Nerve to Secure Victory

At 208/6 in the 47th over, India still needed 44 runs from 24 balls. However, KL Rahul (57* off 63) and Ravindra Jadeja (32* off 26) kept their composure, playing smart cricket to guide India to victory.

Rahul mixed caution with aggression, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. Jadeja, known for his finishing skills, found crucial boundaries in the final overs. The duo ensured India reached the target with six balls to spare, sealing a famous win.

New Zealand’s Innings: A Mixed Bag of Stability and Late Flourish

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand aimed to set a challenging target. Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra got them off to a solid start, but India’s fielders missed early chances.

Varun Chakaravarthy broke the opening stand in the eighth over, trapping Young lbw for 28. Ravindra, who looked great, raced to 37 off 29 balls but was undone by Kuldeep Yadav’s sharp spin. The left-arm wrist-spinner struck again in his next over, taking a stunning return catch to dismiss captain Kane Williamson for 19.

Tom Latham failed to make an impact, falling lbw to Ravindra Jadeja for 14. Glenn Phillips contributed a useful 34 off 52 balls, including two boundaries and a six, before Varun Chakaravarthy bowled him with a well-disguised delivery.

Daryl Mitchell held one end, playing a patient knock of 63 off 101 balls, but his innings lacked aggressive intent as India’s spinners maintained control in the middle overs.

Bracewell’s Late Surge Lifts New Zealand to 251/7

New Zealand desperately needed a late push, with the run rate slowing down between overs 11 and 30. Mitchell Santner (24) and Michael Bracewell (50* off 43) provided just that.

Santner was run out in the 49th while attempting a risky second run. Bracewell, however, remained unbeaten, smashing key boundaries in the final overs to bring up his half-century on the last ball of the innings.

New Zealand posted 251/7, which seemed slightly below par but still competitive on a tricky Dubai surface.

India’s Bowling Attack: Spinners Dominate the Middle Overs

India’s bowlers executed their plans brilliantly, particularly in the middle phase of the innings. The spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy (2/42) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/45) put New Zealand under immense pressure, drying up runs and taking key wickets.

Ravindra Jadeja (1/38) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/47) provided excellent support, while Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya maintained tight lines to restrict the scoring.

Despite a late flourish from New Zealand, India’s disciplined bowling effort ensured they had a manageable target to chase.

India’s Unbeaten Run and Path to Glory

India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign was nothing short of dominant. They remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, displaying exceptional consistency in all departments.

After topping their group with convincing wins over New Zealand, England, and South Africa, India crushed Australia in the semi-final, easily securing their spot in the final.

The victory against New Zealand in the final reaffirmed India’s stature as one of the most formidable teams in world cricket.

A Historic Win for Indian Cricket

With this triumph, India added another ICC trophy to their illustrious collection, marking their third Champions Trophy title after victories in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the resilience of India’s middle order, and the dominance of their bowling attack played crucial roles in securing this historic win.

As the celebrations began in Dubai, Indian fans worldwide rejoiced in yet another proud moment for their cricketing nation.