India Clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Thrilling Final Against New Zealand
India made history by securing their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a nail-biting four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Captain Rohit Sharma led the charge with a brilliant 76 off 83 balls, anchoring India’s successful chase of 252. Despite late pressure from New Zealand’s spinners, KL Rahul (34) and Ravindra Jadeja (9) held their nerve to seal the win in the final over. This triumph solidified India’s dominance in global cricket, adding to their previous titles in 2002 (joint-winners) and 2013.
Rohit Sharma’s Aggressive Knock Sets the Tone
Chasing a competitive 252, Rohit Sharma came out swinging, taking on New Zealand’s pacers early to put India in control. His 105-run partnership with Shubman Gill (31 off 50) laid a solid foundation. Rohit’s aggressive innings included seven boundaries and three sixes, neutralizing the threat of New Zealand’s new-ball attack.
However, New Zealand fought back with key breakthroughs. Gill fell to a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips, and Virat Kohli was dismissed for just 1 run, trapped lbw by Michael Bracewell. Rohit’s departure at 122/3 in the 26th over shifted momentum, putting India under pressure.
At this critical stage, Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62) and Axar Patel (29 off 40) stepped up, stitching together a crucial 61-run partnership. Their resistance against Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra kept India on track. Though Iyer and Patel fell in quick succession, Rahul and Jadeja showcased composure in the final overs, guiding India home with six balls to spare.
India’s Bowlers Shine to Restrict New Zealand
After losing the toss, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict New Zealand to 251/7 on a slow Dubai pitch. Spinners Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) were exceptional, dismantling the Kiwi middle order and keeping the scoring rate in check.
New Zealand started strongly, with Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) and Will Young (15 off 23) capitalizing in the powerplay. However, Kuldeep’s magical delivery to dismiss Ravindra triggered a slowdown, and Kane Williamson (11) followed soon after.
Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) anchored the innings but struggled to accelerate against India’s spin attack. Contributions from Tom Latham (14 off 30) and Phillips (34 off 52) were insufficient as wickets fell at regular intervals. Bracewell (53 off 40) provided a late flourish, smashing three fours and two sixes to push New Zealand past 250. However, India’s spinners, especially Ravindra Jadeja (1/30 in 10 overs), ensured New Zealand couldn’t build momentum.
Fans and Experts React to India’s Triumph
The victory sparked celebrations across the cricketing world, with fans and experts praising India’s performance:
- Sachin Tendulkar: “Champions Trophy CHAMPION…. Yeeeeehhhhh…. ”
- Amit Shah: “A victory that scripts history. Congratulations to Team India on clinching a stunning victory in the ICC #ChampionsTrophy2025.”
- Mammootty: “Congrats to Team India on an Outstanding and Comprehensive Champions Trophy Victory.”
- Wasim Jaffer: “No one can outperform Indians when it comes to achieving targets in March closing .”
- Irfan Pathan: “Rohit Sharma is a true leader—always bringing the team together and looking out for his players.”
- BCCI: “𝗖. 𝗛. 𝗔. 𝗠. 𝗣. 𝗜. 𝗢. 𝗡. 𝗦! The Rohit Sharma-led #TeamIndia are ICC #ChampionsTrophy 2025 𝙒𝙄𝙉𝙉𝙀𝙍𝙎 ”
WATCH: Glenn Phillips’ Spectacular Catch
The match also featured a stunning one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips to dismiss Shubman Gill, adding to the highlights of the final.
India’s Cricketing Legacy Continues
With this victory, India reaffirmed their status as a cricketing powerhouse, claiming their third Champions Trophy title. The team’s all-round performance, led by Rohit Sharma’s leadership and contributions from key players, ensured a memorable triumph for the nation.
