India Beat New Zealand To Lift The Champions Trophy 2025

DUBAI: A collective bowling display, followed by a blistering half-century from skipper Rohit Sharma, propelled India to a four-wicket triumph over New Zealand, securing the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

This marks India’s third Champions Trophy triumph, having previously lifted the prestigious trophy in 2002 and 2013.

Chasing a target of 252, the Men in Blue comfortably reached the finish line with six wickets down and six balls to spare.

India’s chase began on a strong note, courtesy of an electrifying 105-run opening stand between captain Sharma and top-ranked ODI batter Shubman Gill. While Sharma took charge of the scoring, Gill provided solid support from the other end before falling prey to Mitchell Santner, thanks to a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips at short cover.

Gill managed 31 off 50 balls, including a solitary six.

India then suffered a minor collapse, losing two quick wickets as Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra sent back the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Sharma.

Kohli could only muster a single run, while Sharma emerged as India’s top scorer with 76 off 83 deliveries, decorated with seven boundaries and three maximums.

Following the brief stutter, Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with a crucial 61-run partnership before both departed in the space of 16 deliveries.

Iyer contributed 48 off 62 balls with two sixes and as many fours, whereas Patel scored 29 off 40 deliveries.

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul then stitched together a quickfire 38-run stand in just six overs, bringing India within touching distance before Kyle Jamieson dismissed Pandya, momentarily raising New Zealand’s hopes.

However, Rahul remained composed and guided India to victory with an unbeaten 34 off 33 deliveries.

For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner and Bracewell picked up two wickets apiece, while Ravindra and Jamieson chipped in with one each.

Earlier, New Zealand skipper Santner’s decision to bat first did not yield the desired results, as the Blackcaps managed 251/7 despite a gritty half-century from Daryl Mitchell.

New Zealand began their innings on a positive note with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra adding 57 runs briskly.

Ravindra led the charge, while Young played a more cautious role before being dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy in the eighth over for 15 off 23 balls.

Kuldeep Yadav then turned the game in India’s favor with two successive breakthroughs, removing Ravindra and experienced Kane Williamson in consecutive overs, reducing New Zealand to 75/3 in 12.2 overs.

Ravindra struck four boundaries and a six in his 29-ball 37, while Williamson managed 11 off 14 deliveries.

Mitchell then anchored New Zealand’s innings with a patient half-century, forming valuable partnerships with Glenn Phillips (34) and Michael Bracewell before being dismissed by Mohammed Shami in the 46th over.

Mitchell top-scored for the Blackcaps with 63 off 101 balls, hitting three fours.

Meanwhile, Bracewell remained unbeaten on 53 off 40 deliveries, smashing three boundaries and two sixes.

For India, Yadav and Chakravarthy claimed two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja and Shami picked up one apiece.