In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, New Zealand scored 251/7 in 50 overs, setting a target of 252 runs for India.
At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
India completed the mark with one over remaining after chasing a target of 252 runs. With a top score of 76 runs, captain Rohit Sharma was instrumental in leading his team to victory.
Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand won Player of the Tournament with his 263 runs and 3 wickets, while Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match for his scorching 76.
With a partnership of 105 runs between captain Rohit Sharma and opening batsman Shubman Gill, India got off to a strong start. After struggling throughout the tournament, Sharma finally settled into a groove and produced a crucial half-century.
However, Mitchell Santner’s dismissal of Gill for 31 off 50 balls, caught by Glenn Phillips, gave New Zealand the lead.
Virat Kohli, who had been in outstanding form throughout the competition, was removed for just one run, adding to the devastation. India was reduced to 107 for 2 as Kohli was bowled out by Michael Bracewell, placing pressure on the middle order.
Sharma played a brilliant knock of 76, including three sixes, as he appeared to be headed for a high score. However, he was removed in a peculiar way, when Ravindra’s delivery caught him out of his crease. Tom Latham took the honors behind the stumps, leaving India at 122 for 3.
At this stage, India was able to stay on course thanks to a vital 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket from Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel. Despite being dropped on 46, Santner struck again, dismissing Iyer for 48 off 62 balls just as he was getting close to a well-earned half-century.
The match was delicately balanced with India at 183 for 4. By getting rid of Axar Patel, who had scored 29 runs, Bracewell increased New Zealand’s chances.
Hardik Pandya and Lokesh Rahul saved the day with a match-winning partnership after the team had lost five wickets.
India won the Champions Trophy for the third time in its history thanks to the two players’ vital knocks that helped the team cross the finish line and complete a thrilling victory.
In the Champions Trophy final in Dubai, New Zealand had previously won the toss and chosen to bat first. But they were hit hard right away when quick bowler Matt Henry was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
After defeating Australia in the semi-finals, India came in unaltered and continued to use their winning combination of spin attacks. India’s slow bowlers, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, took two wickets apiece in the 50 overs thanks to the slow pitch.
Due to political difficulties and their refusal to tour Pakistan, India had to play all of their matches in Dubai. Despite this, they won all four of their matches there and remained undefeated.
Rachin Ravindra, who just scored a game-winning century against South Africa, took the lead when New Zealand’s openers started off cautiously.
But after Shami missed a return catch and Shreyas Iyer missed a difficult chance in the deep, Ravindra managed to survive two reprieves.
Ravindra was out for 37 as Kuldeep Yadav made a breakthrough with a spectacular googly. New Zealand’s aspirations were further dashed when Kuldeep caught and bowled Kane Williamson for 11 a short while later.
Mitchell and wicketkeeper Tom Latham attempted to rally the Black Caps to 75-3, pushing the score over 100. But Latham was dismissed for 14 by India’s Ravindra Jadeja, putting New Zealand at 108-4.
After being dropped by Rohit Sharma earlier on 38, Mitchell remained steadfast and formed partnerships with Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips. Prior to being bowled by Chakravarthy, Phillips scored 34.
Mitchell was caught at extra cover off Shami and fell for 63. Bracewell responded with a powerful 53, hitting two sixes and three fours.
