In a scintillating finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9, 2025, India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand by four wickets. This victory marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, following their previous triumphs in 2002 and 2013.
Prelude to the Final
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was a highly anticipated event, especially with its return after an eight-year hiatus. The tournament’s hosting dynamics were a ‘hybrid model’ where India’s matches were played in Dubai instead of Pakistan, the official host nation. Both India and New Zealand showcased exceptional performances throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a riveting final.
New Zealand’s Innings: A Steady Start and Middle-Order Challenges
Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bat first. Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra provided a brisk start, accumulating 69 runs in the initial powerplay. However, India’s spin quartet, comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, applied pressure, slowing the run rate considerably. Kuldeep’s delivery to dismiss Ravindra for 37 was a turning point, followed by the crucial wicket of Kane Williamson, who was caught and bowled for a mere 11 runs.
Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a patient 63 off 101 balls, while Michael Bracewell’s late surge, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 40 deliveries, propelled New Zealand to a total of 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Despite the challenging middle overs, Bracewell’s efforts ensured a competitive target for India.
India’s Response: A Commanding Opening and Mid-Innings Hiccups
Chasing 252, India began assertively. Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill forged a formidable opening partnership, amassing 105 runs. Rohit’s aggressive approach was evident as he reached his half-century with a commanding six off Nathan Smith. Gill, supporting his captain adeptly, contributed a steady 31 before falling to a spectacular one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips off Mitchell Santner’s bowling.
The dismissal of Virat Kohli shortly after, trapped lbw by Michael Bracewell for just 1 run, shifted the momentum. Rohit continued his assault but was eventually stumped for 76, attempting to charge down the wicket against Rachin Ravindra. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession, leaving India at a precarious 203 for 5.
The Climactic Finish: Composure Under Pressure
With the match hanging in the balance, KL Rahul showcased immense composure. His unbeaten 34, combined with Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 18, edged India closer to the target. Pandya’s dismissal in the 48th over introduced a brief period of tension, but Ravindra Jadeja’s calm presence ensured there were no further hiccups. Jadeja sealed the victory with a boundary, leading India to 254 for 6 with an over to spare.
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Reflections on the Match
Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting prowess earned him the Player of the Match award. He lauded the team’s resilience and the pivotal role of the spinners throughout the tournament. “Our spinners have been outstanding, consistently applying pressure and delivering breakthroughs at crucial junctures,” Rohit remarked.
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but expressed pride in their journey to the final. He noted that an additional 20 runs could have made a significant difference and lamented the absence of key pacer Matt Henry due to injury.
India’s Dominance in ICC Tournaments
This triumph further cements India’s dominance in recent ICC events. They have now won 23 of their last 24 matches across major tournaments, underscoring their consistency and prowess on the global stage. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under varying conditions has been instrumental in their success.
