In India Vs New Zealand, India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in a nail-biting final at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9, 2025. The Men in Blue chased down a target of 252 runs with six wickets in hand, marking another glorious chapter in their cricketing history.
India Clinches ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Thrilling Victory Over New Zealand
The highly anticipated final between India and New Zealand saw both teams put up a spirited fight. New Zealand, known for their consistency in ICC tournaments, aimed to secure their maiden Champions Trophy, while India sought to cement their dominance in white-ball cricket.
New Zealand’s Competitive Total
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first. Their innings started with caution as the Indian bowlers maintained tight lines. Daryl Mitchell was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a solid 63 off 101 balls. Michael Bracewell provided late fireworks, remaining unbeaten on 53 off just 40 deliveries, pushing New Zealand to a competitive total of 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
Spin played a crucial role in India’s bowling attack, with Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) proving effective in the middle overs. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah contributed with crucial breakthroughs, ensuring New Zealand did not run away with a massive score.
India’s Nerve-Wracking Chase
India’s run chase started on a strong note, with captain Rohit Sharma leading from the front. His classy 76 off 83 balls set the foundation for India’s pursuit. Shreyas Iyer also played a vital role, contributing 48 runs off 62 balls. However, wickets at crucial moments kept the game finely balanced.
KL Rahul’s calm and composed innings of 34* off 33 balls, along with a handy 18-run contribution from Hardik Pandya, guided India to victory in the final overs. With six balls to spare, India sealed the win at 254/6, securing their place in history as three-time ICC Champions Trophy winners.
Rohit Sharma’s Leadership and Retirement Speculation
This victory reaffirmed Rohit Sharma’s reputation as one of India’s finest captains. His leadership, combined with tactical acumen, played a crucial role in India’s triumph. Post-match, Rohit addressed rumors about his retirement, making it clear that he has no immediate plans to step away from ODI cricket.
New Zealand’s Final Heartbreak
For New Zealand, this defeat was another bitter pill to swallow. The Kiwis, who have been consistent performers in ICC tournaments, once again fell short in a major final. Captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the team’s resilience despite injuries to key players like Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra but admitted that missing out on the trophy was heartbreaking.
India’s Dominance in ICC Tournaments
With this victory, India became the only team to win the ICC Champions Trophy three times, having previously lifted the title in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013. This win also solidifies India’s dominance in global cricket, following their T20 World Cup victory in 2024.
Key Takeaways from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
- Rohit Sharma’s masterclass: The Indian skipper led from the front, setting the tone with a crucial 76.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy’s spin magic: Their breakthroughs helped restrict New Zealand’s scoring.
- Daryl Mitchell’s resilience: A well-compiled 63 showcased his importance to New Zealand’s batting lineup.
- Michael Bracewell’s finishing touch: His late flourish gave New Zealand a fighting chance.
- KL Rahul’s finishing role: A cool-headed knock under pressure sealed India’s victory.
What’s Next for Indian and New Zealand Cricket?
India’s triumph will give them momentum heading into the upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 World Test Championship final and the 2026 T20 World Cup. For New Zealand, the focus will be on rebuilding and addressing key injury concerns before their next big tournament.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand was a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. India’s well-rounded performance, led by Rohit Sharma, ensured their place in cricketing history as three-time champions. While New Zealand’s heartbreak continues, their consistent performances in ICC tournaments prove they remain a formidable force in world cricket.
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