Dubai, March 9, 2025 – In a gripping final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets to claim the prestigious title.
New Zealand’s Innings: A Competitive Total
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a respectable total of 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell led the batting charge with a crucial 63 runs, while Michael Bracewell added an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls, providing a late surge to the innings.
India’s spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role in restricting the scoring rate, collectively bowling 38 overs and claiming five wickets, stifling New Zealand’s momentum during the middle overs.
India’s Chase: A Captain’s Knock and a Steady Finish
Chasing a target of 252, India got off to a solid start with a century partnership between captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Sharma played a captain’s knock, smashing a brisk 76 runs, setting the foundation for India’s successful chase.
Despite a middle-order collapse, KL Rahul anchored the innings with an unbeaten 34 runs, steering India to victory with six balls to spare. His calm composure under pressure ensured India crossed the finish line without further hiccups.
Key Performances in the Final
- Rohit Sharma (76 runs): Set the tempo for India’s chase and earned the Player of the Match award.
- KL Rahul (34 runs):* A composed innings under pressure, guiding India to victory.
- Varun Chakravarthy & Kuldeep Yadav: Their tight spin bowling and crucial wickets disrupted New Zealand’s batting lineup.
A Historic Win for India
This victory cements India’s dominance in ODI cricket, adding another coveted trophy to their illustrious cabinet. With this win, India continues to showcase its consistency and excellence on the global stage, further solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in world cricket.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on India’s road to glory in international cricket!
