India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India Clinches Historic Third Title
India Creates History! Beats New Zealand to Win Third ICC Champions Trophy
In a night filled with anticipation, drama, and high-octane cricket, India emerged victorious against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue chased down a target of 252 runs, securing a 4-wicket win and claiming their third Champions Trophy title after previous triumphs in 2002 and 2013. With this win, India became the first team in history to clinch three Champions Trophy titles, solidifying their legacy in white-ball cricket.
Match Highlights: India’s Journey to Glory
Rohit Sharma’s Captain’s Knock
Leading from the front, Rohit Sharma set the stage for victory with a composed 50, laying a strong foundation for India’s chase. His leadership and aggressive intent provided the perfect start as India looked to script history.
Virat Kohli’s Struggles Continue in ICC Finals
Star batter Virat Kohli, who had carried the hopes of millions, had another disappointing outing in an ICC ODI final. Managing just a solitary run, Kohli’s record in ICC ODI finals now stands at 138 runs in five matches at an average of 27.60, with his best being 54. Despite his personal setback, the Indian team ensured his contributions throughout the tournament were not in vain.
Rohit-Gill Duo Recreates Ganguly-Tendulkar’s Magic
In a moment of nostalgia, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill recreated the heroics of legendary openers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. The duo stitched together a crucial 100-plus stand, becoming only the third pair to do so in a Champions Trophy final. Their partnership set the perfect tone for the chase, bringing back memories of India’s dominance in white-ball cricket.
Middle-Order’s Steadying Role
As wickets began to tumble, India’s middle order displayed immense resilience. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul played key knocks to keep the scoreboard ticking, ensuring that the required run rate remained in check. Their ability to absorb pressure proved vital in the high-stakes encounter.
Hardik Pandya’s Finishing Brilliance
With the match hanging in the balance, Hardik Pandya delivered when it mattered most. The dynamic all-rounder smashed crucial runs in the final overs, displaying nerves of steel to take India over the finish line. His power-hitting and calm demeanor under pressure once again reaffirmed his status as one of India’s finest match-winners.
India’s Dominance in the 2025 Champions Trophy
This victory marked India’s unbeaten run in the tournament, winning all six of their matches. The Men in Blue showcased their supremacy throughout the event, proving why they are one of the most formidable sides in ICC white-ball tournaments.
Earlier, India’s bowling attack, led by spinners, put up a stellar performance to restrict New Zealand to 251/7. The Kiwis struggled to accelerate against India’s disciplined bowling attack, allowing the Men in Blue to maintain control throughout the first innings.
Celebrations and Historic Milestones
As the final run was scored, the Indian team erupted in joy, with players embracing each other in ecstatic celebrations. The post-match scenes saw Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli engaging in a light-hearted moment, playing ‘dandiya’ with the stumps, much to the delight of the fans.
With this victory, India now boasts a record seven ICC white-ball titles, trailing only behind Australia. This win also cements Rohit Sharma’s legacy as a leader, making him the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to win multiple ICC trophies. The triumph comes just months after India’s T20 World Cup victory in Barbados, reaffirming their dominance in global cricket.
India’s ICC White-Ball Trophy Collection
- ODI World Cup: 1983, 2011
- Champions Trophy: 2002 (shared), 2013, 2025
- T20 World Cup: 2007, 2024
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