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| Source:BCCI(X) |
Dubai, March 9, 2025: After a long wait of 12 years, India finally got their hands on the ICC Champions Trophy once again, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a brilliant 76, while crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Axar Patel ensured India chased down New Zealand’s total of 251/7 with ease.
This victory marked India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013. The Men in Blue showcased their dominance in white-ball cricket, winning back-to-back ICC tournaments after their triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
New Zealand’s Strong Start Fizzles Out as Indian Spinners Dominate
Opting to bat first, New Zealand got off to a flying start, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra adding 57 runs inside eight overs. Ravindra looked in sublime touch, scoring 37 off just 29 balls, but once the spinners were introduced, India took control.
Varun Chakaravarthy struck first, trapping Young lbw for 15, while Kuldeep Yadav castled Ravindra shortly after. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, who promoted himself in the order, couldn’t make an impact, as Kane Williamson fell cheaply for 11, caught and bowled by Kuldeep.
The Kiwis struggled in the middle overs as Tom Latham (14 off 30) and Glenn Phillips (34 off 52) found it difficult to rotate the strike. However, Daryl Mitchell held the innings together with a gritty 63 off 101 balls. It was Michael Bracewell’s late fireworks—an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls—that pushed New Zealand to a competitive total of 251/7.
Indian Bowlers Keep Kiwis in Check
India’s bowling was once again a masterclass in control and strategy. The spinners dominated, with Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) taking crucial wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja (1/30) was exceptional with his accuracy. Axar Patel (0/29 in 8 overs) kept things tight, ensuring New Zealand couldn’t accelerate in the middle overs.
Mohammad Shami had an expensive outing, conceding 74 runs in his 9 overs but managed to pick up the key wicket of Daryl Mitchell. Hardik Pandya struggled with the ball, leaking 30 runs in just 3 overs.
Rohit Sharma Leads from the Front in India's Chase
India’s chase began in dominant fashion, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting up a solid 105-run opening stand. Rohit was in imperious form, playing aggressive strokes, while Gill played second fiddle, scoring 31 off 50 balls.
The breakthrough for New Zealand came in the 19th over when Gill was caught by Glenn Phillips off Santner. Just one ball later, Virat Kohli fell lbw to Michael Bracewell for just 1, leaving India at 106/2 and giving the Kiwis a glimmer of hope.
Rohit continued his attacking approach but was eventually stumped off Rachin Ravindra’s bowling for 76 in the 27th over. With the scoreboard reading 122/3, India still needed a steady partnership to avoid a collapse.
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| Source : LSG(X) |
Iyer, Axar, and Rahul Steer India to Victory
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel absorbed the pressure brilliantly, putting together a crucial 61-run partnership. Iyer played a fluent knock of 48 off 62 balls but fell to Santner in the 39th over. Axar Patel (29 off 40) followed soon after, caught off Bracewell, leaving India at 203/5 in the 42nd over.
With 49 runs required from 48 balls, the pressure was mounting, but KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya took charge. Rahul’s composed 34 off 33 balls and Pandya’s quick 18 off 18 balls ensured India remained in control.
Despite Pandya’s dismissal at 241/6 in the 48th over, Ravindra Jadeja (9* off 6) finished the game in style, securing India’s victory in the 49th over.
New Zealand’s Effort Falls Short
New Zealand’s bowlers toiled hard but couldn’t break India’s resilience. Michael Bracewell (1/28 in 10 overs) was the pick of the bowlers, while Santner (2/46) and Rachin Ravindra (1/47) were effective in the middle overs. However, their pacers struggled, with William O’Rourke (0/56 in 7 overs) and Nathan Smith (0/22 in 2 overs) proving expensive.
Post-Match Reactions: India Celebrate Historic Win
Ravindra Jadeja:
"Sometimes I am a hero, sometimes I am a zero, but today it feels special. Hardik and KL batted brilliantly in the last 10 overs under pressure. Winning back-to-back ICC trophies for India is a matter of great pride."
KL Rahul:
"I was nervous towards the end, but I backed myself. This tournament has given me a lot of time in the middle, and I am happy to contribute. The whole team showed immense skill under pressure."
Hardik Pandya:
"Winning this trophy feels amazing. I still remember the 2017 final when we fell short, but today, we finished the job. KL was brilliant under pressure, and he deserves all the credit."
Kuldeep Yadav:
"The credit goes to KL and Jaddu for finishing the game. The way Rohit managed the bowlers was outstanding. The whole of India will party tonight!"
Shreyas Iyer:
"It’s my first ICC trophy, and I am over the moon. I love batting under pressure, and if my contribution leads to a victory, that’s more than enough for me."
Shubman Gill:
"I enjoyed watching Rohit bhai bat. We kept talking about our approach, and that partnership was crucial. Winning this after missing out in 2023 is a surreal feeling."
Virat Kohli:
"Playing with such a talented group is amazing. Everyone has stepped up at different stages, and that’s what makes a great team."
Rohit Sharma (Player of the Final):
"We played good cricket throughout the tournament, and it feels great to get the result in our favor. I wanted to be aggressive in my approach, and I was backed by Rahul bhai and Gauti. The depth in our batting helped us take risks."
Player of the Tournament: Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra:
"Congratulations to India, they played brilliant cricket. Personally, I am happy with my performance. Playing in good conditions helps, and I always want to contribute more with the ball. Cricket can be a cruel game sometimes, but I am proud of my journey."
A Historic Night for Indian Cricket
India’s Champions Trophy triumph marked the perfect culmination of months of preparation and resilience. With a balanced squad, a strong leadership group, and young players stepping up at the right moments, this team is set for greater heights.
For New Zealand, it was another heartbreaking loss in an ICC final, but with young talents like Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell emerging, their future remains bright.
As fireworks lit up the Dubai sky and the Indian players lifted the Champions Trophy, it was a moment of pure joy for millions of fans worldwide. After 12 long years, India had reclaimed the coveted trophy, reaffirming their dominance in world cricket.
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