Dubai, UAE
India Clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Thrilling Win Over New Zealand. In a nail-biting finale, India emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling match at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing a target of 252, India reached 254/6 with one over to spare, thanks to a composed partnership between KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who steered the team to glory.
A Tense Chase
India’s chase began strongly, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting together a solid 105-run partnership. Rohit, in particular, was in sublime form, scoring 76 runs before being stumped by Tom Latham off Rachin Ravindra’s bowling. However, New Zealand fought back fiercely, with Glenn Phillips taking a stunning catch to dismiss Gill for 31, and Michael Bracewell trapping Virat Kohli lbw for just 1.
The middle order faced pressure as Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel fell in quick succession, leaving India at 201/6. Hardik Pandya’s brief cameo of 18 runs provided some momentum, but it was Rahul (unbeaten on 45) and Jadeja (unbeaten on 28) who held their nerve to guide India to victory in the penultimate over.
New Zealand’s Valiant Effort
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 251/7 after being asked to bat first. Despite a slow middle phase, where India’s spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav took control, the Black Caps staged a late resurgence, adding 50 runs in the final five overs.
Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a patient 63 off 101 balls, while Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 50 off 49 deliveries provided a late flourish. Rachin Ravindra (37) and Glenn Phillips (34) also made valuable contributions, but New Zealand’s total ultimately fell short of being defendable.
Key Moments
- Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass: The Indian captain set the tone with a fluent 76, showcasing his class and experience.
- Glenn Phillips’ Stunning Catch: Phillips’ athletic effort to dismiss Gill shifted momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
- Spinners’ Dominance: Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav shared four wickets, stifling New Zealand’s scoring rate in the middle overs.
- Rahul and Jadeja’s Finishing Act: The duo’s unbeaten partnership ensured India crossed the line under pressure.
Road to the Final
India’s journey to the final was flawless, with the team remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. They secured their spot in the final with a commanding victory over Australia in the semi-finals. New Zealand, despite losing to India in the group stage, showcased their resilience with a comprehensive win over South Africa in the semi-finals.
A Fitting Finale
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final was a testament to the spirit of cricket, with both teams displaying skill, determination, and sportsmanship. For India, this victory marks their third Champions Trophy title, further cementing their dominance in world cricket.
As the celebrations begin, fans will remember this match as a classic, where India’s depth and composure under pressure proved decisive.
