India Clinches ICC Champions Trophy with Thrilling victory Over New Zealand

Dubai, UAE – in a nail-biting final that kept fans on the edge of their seats, India triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets to claim the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Captain Rohit Sharma spearheaded India’s chase of 252 with a masterful innings of 76. This victory marks india’s third title in the prestigious tournament, cementing their status as a dominant force in international cricket. The match, held at the Dubai International Stadium, saw moments of brilliance and resilience from both sides, but ultimately, India’s batting depth and strategic spin bowling proved decisive.

Sharma’s Heroics and a Blazing Start

India’s chase of 252 began explosively, thanks to the dynamic opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The pair combined for a formidable 105-run stand, immediately putting New Zealand under pressure. Sharma’s aggressive strokeplay was on full display as he raced to 76, providing a solid foundation for the innings. Gill contributed a valuable 31 before New Zealand mounted a comeback, snatching three quick wickets and injecting uncertainty into the Indian camp. The early momentum established by Sharma proved crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the innings.

Middle-Order Resilience Steadies the Ship

With the momentum shifting, Shreyas Iyer and Axar patel stepped up to stabilize the innings. Their crucial 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket showcased composure and tactical acumen.Iyer, after smashing a six off New Zealand skipper Santner, fell victim to the same bowler, mistiming a shot. However, the depth in India’s batting lineup proved too much for New Zealand to exploit. K.L. Rahul and Hardik Pandya then took charge,guiding India closer to the finish line.Pandya’s departure for 18 did little to deter Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 34, steering India to a memorable victory with an over to spare. Rahul’s calm and calculated approach in the final overs ensured India crossed the finish line without further hiccups.

New Zealand’s Innings: Mitchell and Bracewell Shine

Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s innings saw Daryl Mitchell crafting a patient 63 off 101 balls, providing stability in the middle overs. Michael Bracewell added impetus with an unbeaten 53 off 40 deliveries, helping New Zealand reach a competitive total of 251/7. Despite India’s sloppy fielding, which included dropped catches by Rohit sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami, the Indian spinners managed to restrict the Kiwis. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav each claimed two wickets, capitalizing on the conditions at the Dubai International Stadium. Mitchell’s steady innings and Bracewell’s late flourish were vital in giving New Zealand a fighting chance.

Spinners Turn the Tide

New Zealand’s innings began promisingly,with openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Young putting on 57 runs without loss in the first seven overs. However, the introduction of spin proved to be a game-changer. Varun Chakravarthy struck first, trapping Young leg before wicket. Kuldeep Yadav, who had earlier dropped Ravindra, made amends by dismissing the aggressive opener for 37 and then removing kane Williamson, further denting New Zealand’s progress. The spinners’ ability to exploit the conditions and pick up crucial wickets at regular intervals was instrumental in restricting New Zealand’s scoring.

mitchell and Glenn Phillips briefly revived the innings with a 57-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but Varun Chakravarthy returned to dismiss Phillips, stalling New Zealand’s momentum. Bracewell’s late surge helped them surpass the 250 mark, setting a challenging target for India.

Unchanged India Overcomes Fielding Lapses

India fielded an unchanged team from their semifinal victory over Australia. New Zealand made one change, with Nathan smith replacing the injured Matt Henry from their semifinal win against South Africa. Despite the fielding lapses, India’s strong batting lineup and effective spin bowling proved decisive in securing the victory. The consistency in team selection for India highlighted their confidence in the chosen eleven and their ability to perform under pressure.

Match Summary

New Zealand posted 251/7 in 50 overs, with Mitchell scoring 63 and Bracewell contributing an unbeaten 53. India responded with 254/6 in 49 overs, led by Rohit Sharma’s 76 and supported by Shreyas Iyer’s 48 and K.L. Rahul’s unbeaten 34. Bracewell and Santner took two wickets each for New Zealand, but it wasn’t enough to prevent India from clinching the title.

New Zealand 251/7 in 50 overs (Mitchell 63, Bracewell 53 not out, Ravindra 37, Phillips 34, Kuldeep 2/40, Chakravarthy 2/45) lost to India 254/6 in 49 overs (Rohit Sharma 76, Shreyas Iyer 48, K.L. Rahul 34 not out, Shubman Gill 31, Bracewell 2/28, Santner 2/46)

Conclusion: India Celebrates Champions Trophy Triumph

India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand was a testament to their batting depth and spin bowling prowess. Despite some fielding concerns, the team showcased resilience and determination to secure their third title in the event. Captain Rohit sharma’s leadership and brilliant batting performance were instrumental in India’s success, marking another glorious chapter in Indian cricket history. The win sparked celebrations across the nation as fans rejoiced in the team’s achievement.