India Clinches ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in a Thrilling Finale Against New Zealand
Dubai, UAE – Under the dazzling floodlights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India scripted a memorable victory, edging past New Zealand by four wickets to claim the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The final was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with breathtaking moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last over.
The high-stakes clash began with New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bat first. Their innings was a story of grit and resilience, with Daryl Mitchell leading the charge with a well-crafted 63. The Kiwi batting lineup faced consistent pressure from India’s spinners, but Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 ensured they reached a competitive total of 251/7 in 50 overs. India’s bowling attack, particularly the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, played a crucial role in restricting the flow of runs, picking up two wickets each and making life difficult for the New Zealand batters.
India’s chase began on a high note as captain Rohit Sharma launched a fierce assault on the Kiwi bowlers, smashing a fluent 76 off 83 balls. Partnering with Shubman Gill (31), the two stitched together a vital 100-run opening stand, putting India in the driver’s seat. However, just as India seemed to be cruising, New Zealand struck back, dismissing Virat Kohli (1) early, followed by Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29). Each dismissal swung the momentum back in New Zealand’s favor, making the chase increasingly tense.
With the match hanging in the balance, KL Rahul stepped up to anchor the innings. As wickets continued to tumble around him, his calm presence in the middle proved invaluable. Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quickfire 18, adding crucial runs before falling to a sharp delivery. The equation came down to India needing 11 runs with four wickets in hand, a scenario that could go either way. But Rahul, displaying remarkable composure, held his ground. Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, he carefully guided India over the finish line, sealing victory in 48.4 overs.
The match had everything—a fiery start, a dramatic collapse, late twists, and a nerve-wracking finish. While New Zealand fought valiantly, their total ultimately fell just short. India’s victory was built on key performances—Rohit’s aggressive knock, the spinners’ middle-overs brilliance, and KL Rahul’s ice-cool finishing touch, which earned him the Player of the Match award.
As the Indian team erupted in celebration, this victory added another glorious chapter to their cricketing legacy. The Champions Trophy 2025 final was not just a match but a spectacle that reminded the world why cricket is a game of uncertainties, resilience, and unforgettable moments.