By Asghar Ali Mubarak
DUBAI: India clinched its third ICC Champions Trophy title with a composed and calculated four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 252, India paced their innings methodically, reaching the mark in 49 overs to secure a historic win.
New Zealand, having opted to bat first, put up a competitive total of 251 for seven, a score that at one point looked within reach of a more formidable total. However, India’s disciplined approach, spearheaded by captain Rohit Sharma’s 76 and a steady unbeaten 34 from KL Rahul, ensured there was little room for doubt.
India’s chase began with authority as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laid a strong foundation with a 105-run opening stand. Gill’s departure for 31, caught off Glenn Phillips, was followed by a brief stutter when Michael Bracewell trapped Virat Kohli lbw for just a single. New Zealand, sensing an opportunity, tightened their lines, and the pressure mounted when Rachin Ravindra deceived Sharma, who, in an attempt to clear the ropes, found himself stumped by Tom Latham after a sublime 76-run effort.
Shreyas Iyer’s composed 48 kept India steady before he fell with the score at 183, but the middle order ensured there were no major collapses. Axar Patel’s 29 and a quick 18 from Hardik Pandya kept the momentum alive before KL Rahul saw the team home with a calm finish. Despite a late push from New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell with two wickets apiece, India never truly lost control.
New Zealand’s innings had started with promise but lost momentum under pressure from India’s spinners. Will Young’s steady start ended at 15 when he fell at 57, and the innings soon took a hit with Rachin Ravindra’s dismissal for 37, undone by Kuldeep Yadav. When Kane Williamson departed for 11, New Zealand found themselves struggling at 75 for three.
Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips attempted to stabilize the innings, but their efforts were disrupted by a disciplined Indian attack. Daryl Mitchell’s 63 added some much-needed resilience, while Michael Bracewell’s late flourish—53 off 40 balls—pushed New Zealand past the 250-mark, giving their bowlers something to defend.
For India, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav stood out with two wickets each, while Mohammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with key breakthroughs. Ahead of the match, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge of facing India in such conditions, especially with a strong Indian presence in the stands. The late exclusion of Matt Henry due to injury saw Nathan Smith take his place, a last-minute change that altered their attack.
Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, remained unfazed by the toss, insisting that his side was prepared for any challenge. He praised New Zealand’s consistency in ICC tournaments and recognized the significance of facing them in a high-stakes final. This marked India’s fifth appearance in a Champions Trophy final and New Zealand’s third. With this victory, India reaffirmed its standing in world cricket, adding yet another major title to its ever-expanding collection.
