DUBAI: India emerged victorious against New Zealand by 4 wickets in a hard-fought battle in the final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The Rohit Sharma-led side chased down 252 runs on a challenging wicket with one over to spare to clinch the Champions Trophy for a record third time.
This was India’s third Champions Trophy title, previously winning in 2013 and 2002 (shared).
In pursuit of the chase, the Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill came out blazing. The duo provided the Men in Blue a solid platform with a partnership of 105 runs.
Gill (31) was dismissed, thanks to a screamer of Glenn Phillips in the 19th over. His brisk knock included one boundary.
The opener’s dismissal opened the door for New Zealand as they struck with a key wicket off Virat Kohli (1), who was trapped in front off Michael Bracewell.
Top scorer Rohit Sharma also perished after a well-made 76 off 83 deliveries, with three sixes and seven fours.
With wickets falling in quick succession, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel forged a vital 61 run partnership to rescue India against a formidable spin bowling attack of New Zealand.
Iyer made a 62-ball 48, while Patel scored 29 off 40 deliveries. Both batters were dismissed in a short span of time to give Black Caps a faint hope in a tense run chase.
However, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul built a successful 38-run partnership in just six overs which put India in a strong position to clinch the multi-nation tournament for a record third time.
In the last few overs, Rahul showcased his composure and guided India to victory by scoring an unbeaten 34 runs off 33 balls.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell each took two wickets, while Rachin Ravindra and Kyle Jamieson claimed one wicket apiece.
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding batting, while New Zealand’s opener Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Tournament for his all-round performance.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell scored half-centuries to help New Zealand set a 252-run target in their 50 overs.
After opting to bat on a spinning track, the in-form New Zealand opening pair of Will Young and Rachin Ravindra made a strong start, accumulating 57 runs in their first seven overs.
Will Young was trapped in front of Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling on the score of 15.
After a strong foundation, New Zealand stalwart Kane Williamson arrived on the crease to steady the innings.
However, India spinner Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja struck quickly, leaving the New Zealand team in deep trouble at 108-4 in 23.2 overs.
Williamson (11), Ravindra (37), and Latham (14) all perished to the formidable spin bowling of the Indian team.
Following the wicket, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell forged a crucial partnership of 57 runs to lift New Zealand.
Phillips departed after scoring a brisk knock of 34 off 52 in challenging conditions. Mitchell, the top scorer with 63 off 101 deliveries, remained steadfast on the other end and added another 46-run stand with Michael Bracewell before being dismissed.
New Zealand was 211-6 in 45.4 overs, but Michael Bracewell’s quick-fire half-century took his team to a strong total of 252. His unbeaten 53 off 40 deliveries featured two fours and three sixes.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were the pick of the bowlers who took two wickets apiece.
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