Dubai: A clinical bowling performance, followed by a blistering half-century from skipper Rohit Sharma, powered India to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With this triumph, India secured their third Champions Trophy title, having previously won the tournament in 2002 and 2013.
Chasing 252, India Seal Victory with Six Balls to Spare
Set a target of 252, India comfortably chased down the total, finishing at 252/6 with an over to spare. The chase was set up by an explosive 105-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and top-ranked ODI batter Shubman Gill.
Sharma led from the front with a brilliant 83-ball 76, laced with seven fours and three sixes, while Gill provided steady support before falling to Mitchell Santner after scoring 31 off 50 deliveries.
However, India stumbled in the middle overs, losing three quick wickets. Virat Kohli (1) and Sharma departed in quick succession, dismissed by Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra, respectively.
Amid the collapse, Axar Patel (29) and Shreyas Iyer (48) steadied the chase with a 61-run partnership. However, their dismissals left India needing a solid finish.
Hardik Pandya (21) and KL Rahul (34)* guided India closer before Kyle Jamieson dismissed Pandya. Despite a late scare, Rahul held his nerve and took India over the line, finishing unbeaten on 34 off 33 balls.
For New Zealand, Santner and Bracewell bagged two wickets each, while Ravindra and Jamieson chipped in with one apiece.
New Zealand’s Batting Falters Despite Mitchell’s Half-Century
Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bat first did not yield the desired results as the team managed 251/7 despite a gritty half-century from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls).
The Blackcaps started strongly, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra putting up a 57-run stand. However, Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Young (15) in the eighth over, triggering a middle-order slump.
Kuldeep Yadav then struck twice in quick succession, removing Ravindra (37) and Kane Williamson (11) to reduce New Zealand to 75/3 in 12.2 overs.
Mitchell, however, steadied the innings, stitching valuable partnerships with Glenn Phillips (34) and Michael Bracewell (53)*.
Bracewell remained unbeaten with a 40-ball 53, smashing three fours and two sixes, providing a late flourish to push New Zealand past the 250-run mark.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy took two wickets each, while Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja picked up one scalp apiece.
India’s Triumph in Numbers:
- Champions Trophy Titles: 2002, 2013, 2025
- Top Scorer (India): Rohit Sharma (76 off 83)
- Top Scorer (New Zealand): Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101)
- Best Bowling (India): Kuldeep Yadav (2/38)
With this victory, India reaffirmed their dominance in global tournaments, adding another ICC trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
Khalid Javed is a distinguished journalist and the esteemed Editor of Daily Olympic, a prominent publication in Pakistan. With a career marked by dedication and excellence, Khalid has established himself as a well-known figure in the field of journalism, earning respect for his insightful reporting and editorial expertise. His work at Daily Olympic reflects his commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news, particularly in the realm of sports and beyond. Khalid’s contributions to the media landscape in Pakistan have not only informed the public but also inspired aspiring journalists. His passion for journalism and his ability to navigate complex stories with clarity and integrity have made him a trusted voice in the industry.