In a thrilling finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets. This victory underscores India’s dominance in white-ball cricket, marking their second consecutive global title after their T20 World Cup triumph last year.
New Zealand, opting to bat first, posted a total of 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with a resilient 63, while Michael Bracewell contributed an unbeaten 53. India’s spinners were instrumental in restricting New Zealand, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy each claiming two wickets.
In response, India chased down the target, reaching 254 for 6 in 49 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a fluent 76, and Shreyas Iyer added a valuable 48. Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, guiding India to victory alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who sealed the win with a boundary.
Key Performances
- Rohit Sharma: The Indian skipper set the tone for the chase with his aggressive 76, providing a solid foundation for the middle order.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy: The spin duo’s disciplined bowling in the middle overs stifled New Zealand’s run rate and ensured the target remained achievable.
- Michael Bracewell: His all-round performance, including a crucial half-century and economical bowling figures of 2 for 28, kept New Zealand competitive throughout the match.
Rohit Sharma lauded his team’s resilience and the pivotal role of the spinners throughout the tournament. He acknowledged the unwavering support of the fans, stating, “The crowd has been magnificent. It’s not our home ground but they’ve made it our home ground.”
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, conceded that his team fell short by approximately 20 runs and struggled to counter India’s spin attack. He praised all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who was named Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances, including two centuries.
With this victory, India has solidified its status as the premier force in white-ball cricket. The team’s depth, particularly in the spin department, has been a cornerstone of their success. As they celebrate this triumph, the cricketing world will keenly watch how India builds on this momentum in future tournaments.
