In a nail-biting finish at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India won their third ICC Champions Trophy with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand on March 9, 2025. The game reflected India’s depth and determination, leading to a successful 252-run chase with six balls remaining.
Choosing to bat first, New Zealand managed a total of 251 for 7 in their 50 overs. The innings was supported by Daryl Mitchell, who made a steady 63, and Michael Bracewell, who made a crucial 53. Glenn Phillips chipped in with a quick 34, but the Indian spinners maintained pressure all the time, and run-scoring was made difficult.
India’s spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja—played a crucial role in containing New Zealand’s run. Kuldeep and Chakravarthy both picked two wickets, with Kuldeep’s tally at 2 for 40 and Chakravarthy’s at 2 for 45. Their controlled bowling in the middle overs stalled New Zealand’s run momentum, which was otherwise threatening to give way to a late flurry of runs.
Pursuing a target of 252, India was early under pressure but steadied by the captain’s fierce 76 runs by Rohit Sharma. His stay laid a good base, enabling the middle order to steer the chase without trouble. Shreyas Iyer added a handy 48, reflecting maturity in forging alliances.
The turning point arrived with KL Rahul’s unscathed 34 runs, leading India to triumph in the 49th over. His composed nature under duress meant there was no late collapse, showcasing India’s batting prowess and stability in high-pressure matches.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma praised the spinners’ role in the victory, highlighting their consistency throughout the tournament. He mentioned that the ability of the spin unit to control the tempo of the game proved to be the deciding factor for India’s success.
New Zealand’s skipper, Mitchell Santner, admitted that his side came up short by about 20 runs. He admitted that the Indian spinners were difficult to handle and acknowledged that a bigger total could have changed the complexion of the game.
This win is India’s third Champions Trophy title, solidifying their white-ball cricket supremacy. Their path to the final was characterized by an unbroken run, with a mix of seasoned leadership and young talent.
The adaptability of the team in varying match situations, together with strategic awareness, has established their position as a strong power in global cricket. The win in Dubai writes yet another chapter in India’s cricketing history, showcasing their determination to be the best in the world. India’s overall performance in the Champions Trophy gives a template for future tournaments. The focus on spin bowling coupled with a strong batting unit is a model for success in different conditions.
In the run-up to future challenges, the emphasis will probably stay on developing youth while keeping the core group stable. The combination of youth and experience puts India in good stead for long-term success in international cricket.
For more news updates, follow 12B Sports India Facebook .