In a scene pulsing with excitement at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India carved their name into the cricketing annals with a memorable victory, securing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They overcame New Zealand in a nail-biting finale, winning by four wickets. Leading the charge was Rohit Sharma, who smashed a stellar 76 off 83 deliveries, setting a solid base for India’s chase of 252. As New Zealand’s spinners mounted a late fightback, the nerves were palpable. But with the steady hands of KL Rahul (34) and Ravindra Jadeja (9), the team crossed the finish line in the last over. This win gifted India their third Champions Trophy title, underlining their status as a dominant force in world cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Explosive Innings Sets Up Victory
Facing a competitive target of 252, Rohit Sharma approached the crease with clear intent. He launched a fierce assault on New Zealand’s pacers from the start, ensuring that India maintained an upper hand. Together with Shubman Gill (31 off 50), Rohit crafted a vital 105-run stand that placed India in the driver’s seat. His innings, laced with authority, included seven boundaries and three towering sixes, effectively sidelining the threat posed by New Zealand’s new-ball attack.
Despite the strong start, the match took a tense turn as New Zealand clawed their way back into the contest. Gill succumbed to a stunner from Glenn Phillips, and Virat Kohli soon exited for a mere 1 run, trapped lbw by Michael Bracewell. Rohit’s exit left India at a precarious 122/3 in the 26th over, swinging the momentum slightly in New Zealand’s favor.
Yet, Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62) and Axar Patel (29 off 40) stepped up when it mattered, maintaining the scoreboard pressure and ensuring India did not lose their way against the spin attack of Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra. After the quick dismissals of Iyer and Patel, Rahul and Jadeja remained calm and executed the finishing touches, reaching the target with just six deliveries left.
India’s Bowlers Shine Bright
After New Zealand opted to bat first, India’s bowlers rose to the challenge on a sluggish Dubai wicket, restricting them to 251. Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) were outstanding, dismantling the Kiwi middle order and putting a lid on their scoring chances.
New Zealand began the day with promise, as Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) and Will Young (15 off 23) capitalized early. However, a stunning delivery by Kuldeep turned the tide, removing Ravindra and soon crumbling Kane Williamson’s resolve.
Although Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) provided a stabilizing influence, the Indian bowlers kept a tight grip on New Zealand’s innings. Contributions from Tom Latham (14 off 30) and Glenn Phillips (34 off 52) were in vain as wickets continued to fall at crucial intervals, preventing any significant partnerships.
Michael Bracewell’s late surge with a hard-hitting 53 off 40 kept New Zealand in the fight, but the collective discipline of India’s bowlers, including Jadeja’s relentless 1/30 in ten overs, ensured that their total remained within reach. The final tally of 251 was competitive but ultimately insufficient against India’s powerful batting line-up.
Celebration and Reactions
As news of the victory spread, fans and cricket legends alike poured in their congratulations and reactions through social media. Legendary figures and proud supporters commemorated India’s brilliance, with tweets celebrating the standout performances and the team’s historic achievement. Sachin Tendulkar, Amit Shah, and numerous others hailed the victory, expressing pride and admiration for the team’s resilience and strategic play.
This triumph not only informs the narrative of India’s cricketing prowess but also stands as a testament to their enduring excellence in the Champions Trophy arena, adding to previous wins in 2002 (joint winners) and 2013.
