India Triumph in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a Thrilling Four-Wicket Victory
India Clinch Their Third Champions Trophy Title
Despite a formidable challenge from New Zealand, India emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a thrilling four-wicket win. This marked India’s third Champions Trophy triumph, adding another feather to their illustrious cricketing history. Chasing 251 on a tricky surface at the Dubai International Stadium, India endured pressure both with the bat and ball but managed to maintain their unbeaten streak throughout the tournament. This victory also saw them secure their seventh ICC senior trophy.
Table of Contents
A Blistering Start by Rohit Sharma
India’s chase got off to a spectacular start, spearheaded by skipper Rohit Sharma. Alongside Shubman Gill, Rohit forged a 105-run opening stand, setting a strong foundation. The aggressive approach by Rohit put New Zealand’s pacers under immediate pressure, as he raced to 69 off just 63 balls. With the absence of their injured spearhead, Matt Henry, New Zealand’s pace attack struggled to contain India’s top order.
Mitchell Santner introduced himself into the attack in a bid to break the momentum. While the openers initially managed to keep the run rate up, the introduction of spin gradually brought New Zealand back into the contest. At the 19-over mark, India had raced to 106/0 and were well in command.
New Zealand’s Fightback Through Spin
New Zealand clawed back into the game with two quick breakthroughs. Santner provided the first breakthrough when he dismissed Shubman Gill, caught brilliantly at cover by a leaping Glenn Phillips. Michael Bracewell followed up with a crucial wicket on his very first delivery, trapping Virat Kohli LBW for just one run. This double blow put India on the back foot, with New Zealand’s spinners tightening the screws.
Rohit, who had been in sublime touch, also fell victim to spin. A series of dot balls built pressure, prompting Rohit to charge down the track against Rachin Ravindra, only to be stumped. At 122/3, the game was delicately poised, with India needing another crucial partnership.
Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer Stabilize the Chase
Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer provided a much-needed stabilizing act. Iyer was handed an early reprieve when Will Young misjudged a catch at the boundary, stepping on the ropes while attempting a relay catch. The duo cautiously rebuilt India’s innings, mixing caution with aggression. They added 62 runs, with Iyer looking set for a half-century before perishing in an attempt to clear short fine leg, caught by Rachin Ravindra off Santner.
Kyle Jamieson then dropped a sitter at long-on, giving Iyer another life when he was on 44. However, New Zealand soon had their moment of redemption when Patel mistimed a lofted shot and was caught at long-off.
KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya Steer India to Victory
With India needing 48 runs off 48 balls, the contest was still in the balance. KL Rahul played a composed knock, calming nerves by lofting Santner for a crucial six early on. Hardik Pandya also chipped in with quick boundaries to maintain the required run rate. However, Pandya’s 18-ball 18 came to an end when Jamieson delivered a well-directed bouncer, dismissing him at a critical juncture.
By then, India needed just 11 runs off 15 balls. Smart batting from Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja saw India through, ensuring that New Zealand’s valiant effort did not deny them the title. In the end, India reached 254/6, sealing a four-wicket win in a final that remained competitive till the last moments.
New Zealand’s Fighting Total of 251/7
New Zealand, having been put under early pressure, managed to post a competitive total of 251/7, thanks to key contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell. The pitch proved tricky for stroke-making, and India’s spinners played a pivotal role in restricting the scoring.
Rachin Ravindra got New Zealand off to a flying start, showing his sublime form with elegant strokes. He punished Hardik Pandya early on, taking 16 runs off one over, while Mohammed Shami was also driven beautifully. Rohit Sharma, recognizing the need for a change, turned to spin earlier than usual.
Varun Chakaravarthy, playing in his first ICC final, started with a wayward delivery that went for four byes but quickly found his rhythm. He created an early opportunity as Ravindra top-edged a slog sweep, only for Shreyas Iyer to drop a difficult chance at deep midwicket. However, Chakaravarthy soon made amends, trapping Will Young LBW to break a 58-run opening stand.
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Kuldeep Yadav Spins the Game in India’s Favor
The game turned decisively in India’s favor when Kuldeep Yadav struck with his very first delivery. A well-disguised wrong ’un sneaked past Ravindra’s attempted dab, sending him back to the pavilion. In his next over, Kuldeep deceived Kane Williamson in the air, getting him caught and bowled.
With New Zealand at 75/3, the acceleration came to a halt. Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell adopted a more conservative approach as India’s spinners continued to stifle the scoring rate. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja bowled with impeccable control, keeping the boundaries in check. The middle phase saw India’s spinners maintain tight stump-to-stump lines, ensuring New Zealand never got easy runs.
Latham’s 33-run stand with Mitchell consumed 66 balls before he fell LBW to Jadeja while attempting a sweep. Mitchell, however, held his ground, grinding his way to a crucial 63 off 101 balls. He found a reliable partner in Glenn Phillips, who played an attacking role in their 57-run stand.
Late Flourish from Bracewell Helps New Zealand Reach 251
Phillips had a stroke of luck when he was dropped but failed to capitalize, falling to another wrong ’un from Chakaravarthy. Mitchell, however, upped the ante in the latter stages of the innings. Alongside Michael Bracewell, he took New Zealand past 200 with a crucial 45-run stand.
Just as New Zealand were eyeing a strong finish, Mitchell lofted a simple catch to cover off Shami, leaving Bracewell to lead the charge. The left-hander batted with intent in the final overs, ensuring New Zealand crossed the 250-run mark. He brought up his half-century in the final over, helping the team post 251/7, with 35 runs coming off the last three overs.
Key Performers and Match Summary
The final saw standout performances from both sides:
- India’s Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) played crucial roles in restricting New Zealand.
- Rohit Sharma: The Indian captain led from the front with a fluent 76, setting the foundation for the chase.
- Daryl Mitchell: Top-scored for New Zealand with a resilient 63, holding the innings together.
- Michael Bracewell: Provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 53* to push New Zealand to a competitive score.
Conclusion
India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and tactical acumen. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and deliver under pressure saw them maintain an unbeaten record in the tournament. With this triumph, India further solidified their status as one of the most dominant forces in international cricket, adding yet another prestigious ICC trophy to their cabinet.