India Clinch Champions Trophy 2025 Title with Thrilling 4-Wicket Win Over New Zealand
Dubai,9 March 2025 – In a nail-biting finale at Dubai International Stadium, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing their third title in the tournament’s history. Chasing a modest target of 252, India held their nerve in a tense finish, crossing the line with six balls to spare, thanks to captain Rohit Sharma’s explosive 76 and composed knocks from Shreyas Iyer (48) and KL Rahul (34*).
Match Summary: IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Final 2025
- Result: India won by 4 wickets
- New Zealand Innings: 251 all out (50 overs) | Daryl Mitchell (63), Michael Bracewell (50*)
- India Innings: 252/6 (48.4 overs) | Rohit Sharma (76), Shreyas Iyer (48), KL Rahul (34*)
- Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma
- Key Performers: Kuldeep Yadav & Varun Chakaravarthy (2 wickets each), Michael Bracewell (50* & 1 wicket)
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
New Zealand’s Batting: Spinners Restrict Kiwis to 251
Opting to bat first, New Zealand got off to a flying start with Rachin Ravindra’s aggressive 42. However, India’s spin trio—Kuldeep Yadav (2/45), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/38), and Ravindra Jadeja (1/52)—stifled the middle order, reducing the Kiwis to 172/6 by the 40th over. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a gritty 63, while Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 50 off 44 balls propelled New Zealand to a competitive 251, with 79 runs scored in the final 10 overs.
India’s Chase: Rohit’s Blitz, Iyer-Rahul Steer Home
Rohit Sharma set the tone for India’s chase, smashing a six off the second ball. Partnering with Shubman Gill (37), the skipper added 101 runs in 15 overs. However, Glenn Phillips’ gravity-defying catch to dismiss Gill shifted momentum, and Bracewell’s dismissal of Virat Kohli (22) piled pressure on India. At 185/4, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel (28) stabilized the innings with a 45-run stand. Despite late hiccups, KL Rahul’s calm 34* and Jadeja’s finishing six sealed India’s victory.
Turning Points
- Phillips’ Spectacular Catch: Glenn Phillips’ acrobatic effort to dismiss Gill reignited New Zealand’s hopes.
- Bracewell’s Double Strike: The all-rounder removed Kohli and Hardik Pandya (9), tightening the game.
- Rahul’s Composure: Under immense pressure, Rahul’s unbeaten 34 ensured India crossed the line.
Celebrations: Emotions Overflow in Dubai
As Jadeja hit the winning six, the Indian camp erupted in joy. Jadeja blew kisses to the dressing room, while Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir shared an emotional embrace. Rohit Sharma and Kohli celebrated with a playful dandiya dance, and Rahul stood triumphant with arms outstretched. The Kiwis, despite a valiant effort, were consoled by the Indian team in a display of sportsmanship.
Post-Match Reactions
- Rohit Sharma (India Captain): “This win is for the fans! The spinners set it up, and the batters finished the job. Proud of how we handled pressure.”
- Kane Williamson (NZ Captain): “Credit to India. Bracewell and Mitchell gave us a chance, but we fell just short.”
- KL Rahul: “Staying calm in crunch moments was key. Honored to contribute in a final.”
Why India Triumphed
- Spin Dominance: Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep’s middle-over control restricted NZ.
- Rohit’s Leadership: The captain’s aggressive start demoralized NZ’s bowling attack.
- Middle-Order Resilience: Iyer and Rahul absorbed pressure when it mattered most.
Final Word
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory underscores their dominance in ICC events, blending youth and experience flawlessly. For New Zealand, it’s another heartbreaking final loss, but Bracewell and Mitchell’s heroics hint at a bright future. As the dust settles in Dubai, Rohit’s men return home as heroes, scripting another glorious chapter in Indian cricket history. 🏆