India Wins Big: Champions Trophy 2025 Final
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — India clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 title, beating New Zealand by four wickets on Sunday, March 9, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The thrilling final saw India chase down 252 runs with an over to spare, thanks to captain Rohit Sharma’s fiery 76. Fans watched in awe as India claimed their third Champions Trophy, ending a 12-year wait since their last win in 2013.
Match Summary Table
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 251-7 | 50 | Daryl Mitchell (63) | Michael Bracewell (2-28) |
| India | 252-6 | 49 | Rohit Sharma (76) | Kuldeep Yadav (2-40) |
A Strong Start Sets the Tone
India’s chase kicked off with a bang. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill smashed a 100-run opening stand in just 17 overs. Sharma’s quick 76 off 83 balls lit up the stadium, showing why he’s a top batter. Gill added 23 before a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips sent him back. New Zealand fought hard, taking quick wickets like Virat Kohli for 1, but India stayed in control. KL Rahul (13 not out) and Hardik Pandya (18) sealed the deal, finishing at 252-6 in 49 overs.
New Zealand posted 251-7 after batting first. Daryl Mitchell led with 63, while Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 gave them hope. India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, each took two wickets, keeping the Kiwis in check. A late surge added 50 runs in the final five overs, setting up a tight contest. But India’s batting depth proved too strong.
Key Moments Define the Match
The game had its twists. India lost three wickets fast after the big opening stand, dropping to 136-3 in 30 overs. Shreyas Iyer steadied things with 48, but Mitchell Santner’s spin got him out. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Bracewell (2-28), kept the pressure on. Yet, India’s cool heads prevailed. “We knew we had to stay calm and trust our game,” Rahul told reporters post-match. His steady knock ensured no collapse, a nod to his clutch semi-final chase against Australia.
This win marks India’s third Champions Trophy title, tying them with Australia for the most ever. New Zealand, chasing their second crown since 2000, fell short despite a gritty effort. The Dubai pitch favored spinners, and both teams leaned on them heavily. India’s unbeaten run in the tournament — including a league-stage win over New Zealand — showed their dominance.
A Victory With Bigger Meaning
India’s triumph could signal more to come. After the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss, this win boosts morale. Rohit Sharma, now 37, silenced retirement talk with his match-defining knock. New Zealand’s Santner praised India’s skill. “They know these conditions so well,” he said earlier. For fans, it’s a sweet repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup glory.
The road ahead looks bright. India’s mix of young stars like Gill and veterans like Sharma hints at a golden era. New Zealand will regroup, eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup. This final, watched by over 81.7 crore on Jio Hotstar, proves cricket’s massive pull. The International Cricket Council may now push for more high-stakes India-New Zealand clashes, given their rivalry’s draw.