In a thrilling finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets. The match showcased high-quality cricket, with both teams displaying commendable performances.
New Zealand’s Innings: Steady Start and Middle-Order Contributions
Opting to bat first, New Zealand’s openers, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, provided a solid foundation with a 57-run partnership. Ravindra’s brisk 37 off 31 balls included a six and four boundaries. However, India’s spinners, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, applied pressure, leading to a middle-order slump. Captain Kane Williamson’s early dismissal for 11 further dented New Zealand’s momentum. Despite these setbacks, Daryl Mitchell’s resilient 63 and Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 guided New Zealand to a competitive total of 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
India’s Bowling: Spin Dominance
India’s spin duo, Chakravarthy and Yadav, were instrumental in restricting New Zealand’s scoring. Their combined efforts not only curtailed the run rate but also secured crucial wickets during the middle overs, preventing New Zealand from accelerating.
India’s Chase: Early Setbacks and Middle-Order Resilience
Chasing 252, India faced early challenges with the quick dismissals of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The responsibility then fell on the middle order. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings with a vital 50-run partnership, keeping India in contention.
KL Rahul’s Composure and Jadeja’s Finishing Touch
KL Rahul played a pivotal role in anchoring the chase. His calm demeanor under pressure ensured that India remained on track despite the climbing required run rate. Towards the end, Ravindra Jadeja’s aggressive approach, including a decisive boundary, sealed the victory for India, sparking celebrations among the team and fans alike.
India’s triumph in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final underscores their dominance in the ODI format. The team’s ability to adapt under pressure and the depth in both batting and bowling departments were key factors in their success. New Zealand’s valiant effort, marked by significant individual performances, ensured a thrilling contest that will be remembered for years to come.
Credit: This article is based on information from The Guardian and Reuters.
Key Highlights:
- India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets.
- New Zealand set a target of 252, with notable contributions from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53*).
- India’s spinners, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, played crucial roles in restricting New Zealand’s total.
- KL Rahul’s composed innings and Ravindra Jadeja’s late surge were instrumental in India’s successful chase.
