India Clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Thrilling 4-Wicket Win Over New Zealand
India ended a 12-year wait for the ICC Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in a nail-biting final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Captain Rohit Sharma’s 76 powered India to chase 252 in 49 overs, securing their third title in the tournament’s history. Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning boundary off the last ball of the 49th over.
India’s chase began with a solid 105-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (31) in 18.4 overs. Rohit smashed 7 fours and 3 sixes in his 83-ball knock. Gill fell to a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips, sparking a Kiwi comeback.
The Black Caps jolted India with quick wickets, dismissing Virat Kohli (1) and Rohit in a span of 17 runs. Kohli was trapped LBW by Michael Bracewell, while Rohit was stumped by Tom Latham off Rachin Ravindra. India slipped from 105/0 to 122/3.
The Black Caps jolted India with quick wickets, dismissing Virat Kohli (1) and Rohit in a span of 17 runs. Kohli was trapped LBW by Michael Bracewell, while Rohit was stumped by Tom Latham off Rachin Ravindra. India slipped from 105/0 to 122/3.
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Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) stitched a crucial 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Iyer narrowly missed a fifty, falling to Mitchell Santner. Patel’s dismissal by Bracewell left India needing 50 runs with four wickets in hand.
KL Rahul (34) and Hardik Pandya (18) added stability with a vital stand. Pandya’s dismissal in the 48th over raised tension, but Jadeja (9*) stayed calm. His boundary off William O’Rourke on the final ball clinched India’s victory.
Opting to bat, New Zealand posted 251/7 in 50 overs, led by Daryl Mitchell’s 63 off 101 balls and Bracewell’s 53 off 40. Rachin Ravindra’s brisk 37 set the tone, but India’s spinners turned the tide. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) struck key blows.
Spinners Dominate Early
Kuldeep dismissed Ravindra and Kane Williamson (11) in quick succession, while Chakaravarthy removed Will Young (15). Mohammed Shami and Jadeja took one wicket each. Bracewell’s late flourish pushed New Zealand past 250.
Kuldeep dismissed Ravindra and Kane Williamson (11) in quick succession, while Chakaravarthy removed Will Young (15). Mohammed Shami and Jadeja took one wicket each. Bracewell’s late flourish pushed New Zealand past 250.
With this win, India now hold a record three Champions Trophy titles (2002, 2013, 2025). Rohit Sharma joins an elite list as the fifth captain globally to win multiple ICC trophies, cementing his legacy.
Rohit’s future in ODIs remains in focus, with a reported meeting with selector Ajit Agarkar slated post-final. India’s next major ODI event is the 2027 World Cup, leaving room for transition talks. Fans await updates on the team’s roadmap ahead.
