New Delhi – India wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9, 2025. This victory marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, underscoring their dominance in white-ball cricket.
New Zealand’s Innings: A Steady Start
Winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat first. Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra provided a solid foundation, navigating India’s pace attack with caution. However, the introduction of India’s spinners shifted the momentum. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy applied pressure, leading to crucial breakthroughs. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with a resilient 63, while Michael Bracewell contributed a valuable 53. Despite their efforts, New Zealand managed a total of 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.
India’s Bowling Prowess: Spin Dominance
India’s spin quartet, comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, played a pivotal role in restricting New Zealand’s scoring. Kuldeep and Varun each claimed two wickets, exploiting the spin-friendly conditions effectively. Their disciplined bowling ensured that New Zealand couldn’t accelerate during the middle overs, keeping the run rate in check.
India’s Chase: Rohit’s Commanding Knock
Chasing 252, India got off to a brisk start, thanks to captain Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach. He scored a commanding 76, setting the tone for the innings. Despite losing Shubman Gill early to a spectacular catch by Glenn Phillips, India maintained momentum. Shreyas Iyer added a crucial 48, stabilizing the innings after Virat Kohli’s departure.
Middle-Order Resilience: Rahul’s Composure
As the match progressed, New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their lines, leading to a few quick wickets. However, KL Rahul’s composed 34 not out ensured India remained on track. Alongside Axar Patel, who contributed a steady 26, Rahul guided India closer to the target. Their partnership absorbed the pressure, nullifying New Zealand’s late surge.
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Closing the Chase: Jadeja’s Finishing Touch
With the equation narrowing, Ravindra Jadeja showcased his finishing skills. His quickfire 15 not out, including a boundary in the penultimate over, sealed the victory for India. The team reached the target with six balls to spare, finishing at 254 for 6.
India wins Champions Trophy 2025
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma lauded his team’s all-round performance, emphasizing the impact of the spinners. He credited the bowlers for setting up the win by restricting New Zealand to a chaseable total. On the other hand, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged that his team fell short by 20 runs. He praised India’s execution and highlighted the challenges posed by their spinners.
An Unbeaten Streak and India wins Champions Trophy 2025 at the Last
India’s triumph in the final capped off an unbeaten run in the tournament. They showcased consistency, winning all their matches leading up to the final. This victory also marked their second consecutive ICC trophy win within nine months, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in international cricket.
New Zealand’s Resilience: Battling Adversities
Despite the setback of losing key pacer Matt Henry to injury before the final, New Zealand displayed commendable resilience. Rachin Ravindra’s performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award, reflecting his significant contributions throughout the competition. The Kiwis’ journey to the final showcased their depth and determination.
A Memorable Finale as India wins Champions Trophy 2025
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand was a testament to high-quality cricket. Both teams exhibited skill and sportsmanship, providing fans with an exhilarating contest. India’s balanced approach, combining experienced batting with strategic bowling, ultimately made India wins Champions Trophy 2025.
