In a thrilling finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9, 2025, India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets. This victory not only underscored India’s dominance in the tournament but also highlighted the exceptional leadership of captain Rohit Sharma.
New Zealand’s Innings:
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Daryl Mitchell, who scored a resilient 63, and Michael Bracewell, who contributed an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls. India’s spinners played a pivotal role in restricting the Black Caps, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy each claiming two wickets.
India’s Chase:
Chasing 252, India got off to a solid start, thanks to a 106-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit was in sublime form, scoring a fluent 76 off 83 balls, while Gill added a steady 31. Despite a mid-innings wobble, with quick dismissals of Gill and Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (48) and KL Rahul (34* not out) steadied the ship. Rahul’s composed innings ensured India reached the target with nine balls to spare, finishing at 254 for 6.
Captain’s Remarks:
Post-match, Rohit Sharma dismissed speculations about his retirement from the 50-over format, emphasizing his commitment to Indian cricket. He lauded the team’s collective effort and highlighted the consistent performance of the spin quartet throughout the tournament.
New Zealand’s Perspective:
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, acknowledged that his team fell short by approximately 20 runs. He praised India’s spinners for their impactful performance and reflected on the challenges faced, including the absence of key pacer Matt Henry due to injury
Tournament Highlights:
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy faced several challenges, including geopolitical tensions leading to a hybrid hosting model and logistical issues. Despite these hurdles, the tournament showcased stellar individual performances. Notably, India’s Virat Kohli and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra delivered standout performances, with Ravindra being named Player of the Tournament.
India’s triumph in this edition marks their third Champions Trophy title, reinforcing their stature in international cricket. The team’s resilience and adaptability were evident throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved victory.