India Triumphs Over New Zealand to Secure Glory
In a thrilling showdown at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Dubai, India edged past New Zealand by four wickets, showcasing a remarkable display of resilience and skill. This victory marks another milestone in India’s cricketing history, reinforcing their dominance in the limited-overs format.
A Repeat Performance in the Tournament
Earlier in the tournament, India had already asserted their superiority over New Zealand in the group stage. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team once again outclassed the Black Caps in the final, proving their consistency and depth.
The Match Breakdown
New Zealand set a target of 252/7, with significant contributions from their middle order. However, India’s calculated chase saw them reach 254/6, with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja steering the innings home with one over to spare.
A See-Saw Battle
The chase was far from straightforward. India started strong, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting together a commanding first-wicket stand of 105 runs. However, Glenn Phillips turned the game on its head with an extraordinary catch to dismiss Gill for 31, off Mitchell Santner’s bowling.
Momentum shifted further when Michael Bracewell trapped Virat Kohli lbw for just 1. Rachin Ravindra then claimed Rohit’s wicket, stumping him for a well-made 76. New Zealand continued their fightback as Ravindra took another sharp catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer (48), while Axar Patel fell three overs later to Will O’Rourke off Bracewell’s bowling.
Hardik Pandya provided a late cameo, scoring 18 off 18 before being caught and bowled by Kyle Jamieson in the 48th over. With the pressure mounting, KL Rahul and Jadeja displayed nerves of steel, guiding India to victory.
Spinners Turn the Game for India
India’s spin attack played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 251/7. The combination of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav tightened the noose on the Black Caps, both picking up two wickets each. Between overs 11 to 30, New Zealand was restricted to a modest run rate of 3.30.
Despite this, a late surge from the Kiwis saw them add 50 runs in the last five overs, thanks to a resilient effort from Michael Bracewell, who reached his half-century on the final ball of the innings.
Key Dismissals in New Zealand’s Innings
New Zealand’s openers, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, survived early scares as India missed a few catching opportunities. However, Varun Chakaravarthy struck first, trapping Young lbw in the eighth over.
Kuldeep Yadav then bowled Ravindra for a well-made 37 off 29 balls and followed it up with a sensational caught-and-bowled dismissal of Kane Williamson two overs later. Tom Latham fell lbw to Jadeja for 14, while Phillips (34) and Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) fought hard but failed to build significant partnerships.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner was run out in the penultimate over as his side pushed for a late flourish, leaving Bracewell to salvage a competitive total for the Black Caps.
India’s Road to the Final
India’s journey to the final was nothing short of dominant. Remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, they convincingly defeated Australia in the semi-finals. Their balanced combination of experienced players and young talent proved pivotal in their success.
New Zealand, despite losing to India in the group stage, bounced back with a commanding win over South Africa in the semi-finals, setting up a much-anticipated rematch in the final.
Key Players in the Final
India’s Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand’s Playing XI:
: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke
Conclusion
India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 further cements their status as one of the most formidable teams in world cricket. Their ability to handle pressure, adapt to different match situations, and deliver under crucial circumstances has once again brought glory to Indian cricket. As they celebrate this triumph, the team and fans alike will look forward to more historic moments in the years to come.