India Clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Defeat New Zealand by 4 Wickets

India Clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Defeat New Zealand by 4 Wickets in a Thrilling Final

India triumphed Sunday, March 9, in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 over New Zealand by four wickets. A great contest played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium saw India chase down a target of 252 runs in 49 overs thanks to captain Rohit Sharma’s match-winning innings.

Leading the Charge
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma was a pivotal player during the chase with a 76 off 83 nicely paced innings, comprising seven boundaries and three sixes. Given a solid start by Sharma and his opening partner Shubman Gill, the duo collected 105 runs off the first wicket in 18.4 overs, providing a strong platform for the run chase.

However, New Zealand snatched the game back by getting Gill (31), Virat Kohli (1), and Rohit Sharma in quick succession. The Gill dismissal was a brilliant catch by Glenn Phillips; Kohli was given out leg-before to Michael Bracewell without even scoring, while Rohit was stumped by Tom Latham following his attempt to sweep Rachin Ravindra. India’s situation was precarious.

Read more: Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Future Hinges on Champions Trophy Final Outcome

Middle Order Steenable to Take it to the Finishing Line
After these setbacks, Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) held the innings together with a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket, though Iyer missed out on a deserved half-century. The task then fell on KL Rahul (34) and Hardik Pandya (18) to take India closer to the target.

The last few runs were polished off in the last over by Ravindra Jadeja (9*) with a boundary off the last ball of the 49th over, giving India its third Champions Trophy. William O’Rourke bowled the final over to restricted New Zeland.

India’s Historical Win
This win has made India the most successful team in the history of the Champions Trophy, with their third title after their wins in 2002 and 2013. This has also cemented Rohit Sharma in the book of legends of Indian cricket since he becomes the fifth captain ever to win two ICC trophies.

Read more: Sunil Gavaskar’s Candid Advice to Rohit Sharma Before Champions Trophy Final

Teams to Win the ICC Champions Trophy
• India—2002, 2013, 2025
• Australia—2006, 2009
• South Africa—1998
• New Zealand—2000
• Sri Lanka—2002
• West Indies—2004
• Pakistan—2017

Captains with Multiple ICC Titles
• Ricky Ponting (Australia)—4 Titles
• MS Dhoni (India)—3 Titles
• Clive Lloyd (West Indies)—2 Titles
• Pat Cummins (Australia)—2 Titles
• Rohit Sharma (India)—2 Titles

New Zealand’s First Innings Woes
The New Zealand team had a strong start after electing to bat first with Rachin Ravindra smashing a quick 37 off 29 balls. However, the Indian spinners turned the game around in no time. Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Will Young (15), while Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up Ravindra on the delivery of his spell.

Kuldeep then proceeded to flay the New Zealand innings by getting rid of former captain Kane Williamson (11). New Zealand could only get to 251 runs with Daryl Mitchell’s fighting 63 and late fireworks from Bracewell, who scored 53 off 40 balls. For India, Kuldeep and Chakaravarthy each took 2 wickets, while Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja shared one apiece.

An unforgettable win
India’s victory in the Champions Trophy 2025 was a result of a solid collective effort. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, the contributions from the top order, and the efficiency of the bowlers were the key determinants in the success. This victory goes to further bolster India’s claim as a giant in world cricket and adds another glorious page in her illustrious history.

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