Match Report India vs New Zealand Final Champion Trophy 2025
India Clinches ICC Champions Trophy Glory with Gritty Chase Against New Zealand
Dubai, March 9, 2025 – India secured the ICC Champions Trophy title with a composed four-wicket victory over New Zealand, successfully chasing down a target of 252 with six balls to spare in a high-pressure final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
New Zealand’s Measured Effort with the Bat
Opting to bat first in the high-stakes encounter, New Zealand posted a competitive 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs. While the start was promising, with Rachin Ravindra’s brisk 37 off 29 balls providing early momentum, India’s disciplined spin attack kept the Kiwi innings in check.
Daryl Mitchell played the anchor role with a resilient 63 off 101 deliveries, ensuring New Zealand had a solid platform. Glenn Phillips (34) and Michael Bracewell (53* off 40) provided vital contributions in the latter half, with Bracewell’s counter-attacking knock giving the innings a much-needed push towards the end.
India’s bowlers delivered a collective effort, with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) applying the squeeze in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja’s control (1/30) and Mohammed Shami’s breakthroughs (1/74) rounded off a disciplined bowling performance.
Rohit Leads from the Front in the Chase
Chasing 252 on a slightly sluggish surface, India got off to a composed start, thanks to skipper Rohit Sharma’s authoritative 76 off 83 balls. Partnering with Shubman Gill (31), the duo stitched a 105-run opening stand before Gill’s dismissal triggered a brief wobble.
Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner struck in quick succession, removing Virat Kohli (1) and Shreyas Iyer (48), but India’s depth in batting ensured there were no further jitters. Axar Patel’s useful 29 and a steady hand from KL Rahul (34* off 33) guided India towards the target, with Hardik Pandya (18) playing a crucial cameo.
Despite New Zealand’s disciplined bowling effort, spearheaded by Bracewell (2/28) and Santner (2/46), India maintained control in the chase. Rahul and Jadeja (9*) calmly took India across the finish line, sealing the victory in the penultimate over.
India’s Triumph and Road Ahead
With this win, India adds yet another ICC trophy to their cabinet, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the balanced team effort were instrumental in their victorious campaign.
For New Zealand, it was yet another heartbreak in an ICC final, but they can take pride in their resilience throughout the tournament. As international cricket moves forward, both teams will look ahead to their next challenges, with India basking in the glory of yet another global triumph.
