India clinch Champions Trophy 2025 with thrilling win over New Zealand in Dubai
KL Rahul, Jadeja shine as India claim first ICC trophy under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy
DUBAI: India lifted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a gripping final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing 252, India reached the target in the penultimate over, with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja guiding the team home.
The match had plenty of twists and turns, with New Zealand putting up a valiant fight despite missing key players. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone early, stitching a commanding 105-run partnership. Rohit, continuing his sublime form, top-scored with 76 before Rachin Ravindra lured him down the track for a stumping.
New Zealand clawed their way back into the contest as Michael Bracewell trapped Virat Kohli lbw for just 1. Glenn Phillips once again showcased his brilliance in the field, taking a stunning diving catch to dismiss Gill for 31 off Mitchell Santner’s bowling. The Black Caps tightened their grip, removing Shreyas Iyer for 48 and Axar Patel shortly after.
With India needing stability, Rahul and Jadeja took control, steering the innings patiently. Rahul remained unbeaten on 57, while Jadeja’s composed 32 ensured India crossed the finish line with one over to spare, securing their third Champions Trophy title.
Earlier, New Zealand managed 251/7 in their 50 overs, largely due to a late surge in the final five overs. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Black Caps got off to a quick start, with Will Young and Rachin Ravindra capitalising on some early Indian fielding errors.
Varun Chakaravarthy provided the breakthrough, trapping Young lbw in the eighth over. Ravindra, who looked dangerous at the crease, fell for 37, bowled by Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist spinner struck again two overs later, dismissing Kane Williamson for a mere 16.
New Zealand’s innings struggled for momentum in the middle overs, thanks to India’s spinners. Between the 11th and 30th overs, the Black Caps managed a sluggish run rate of 3.30. Jadeja’s sharp delivery accounted for Tom Latham, who was adjudged lbw for 14, while Glenn Phillips added a fighting 34 before falling to Chakaravarthy.
Daryl Mitchell played a crucial role, anchoring the innings with a measured 63 off 101 balls. His effort, however, lacked fluency, finding the boundary just three times. Mitchell Santner’s run-out in the penultimate over added to New Zealand’s troubles, but a late counterattack from Michael Bracewell (52*) lifted the total past 250.
New Zealand were already at a disadvantage with their leading wicket-taker Matt Henry sidelined due to injury. Their woes deepened when skipper Williamson suffered a quad injury while batting, preventing him from taking the field during India’s chase.
Despite these setbacks, the Black Caps bowlers kept the pressure on, with Santner and Bracewell making vital breakthroughs. Kyle Jamieson also struck late, removing Hardik Pandya for a brisk 18 in the 48th over. However, India’s depth in batting ensured they remained composed under pressure.
With this victory, India remained unbeaten in the tournament, having defeated Australia in the semi-final and overcoming the Black Caps twice—first in the group stage and now in the final.
This is India’s first ICC trophy under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.