In a thrilling finale on March 9, 2025, India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand by four wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Match Overview
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat, setting a target of 252 runs. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63, while Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten at 53. India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, were instrumental in restricting New Zealand’s total.
In response, India chased down the target in 49 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma led with a crucial 76 runs, earning him the Player of the Match title. KL Rahul provided stability, remaining unbeaten at 34, guiding India to their third Champions Trophy title.
Key Moments
- Rohit Sharma’s Leadership: His composed innings set the foundation for India’s chase.
- Spin Dominance: India’s spinners consistently troubled New Zealand’s batsmen, a strategy praised by Sharma post-match.
- New Zealand’s Resilience: Despite the absence of key pacer Matt Henry due to injury, New Zealand fought valiantly, with captain Mitchell Santner acknowledging they fell short by about 20 runs.
Conclusion
India’s triumph in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final showcased their resilience and strategic prowess. The match highlighted the significance of experienced leadership and the impact of spin bowling on subcontinental pitches.