Nairobi was unable to achieve this in 2000, and Lord's fell short in 2021, but Dubai succeeded in 2025 by bringing joy to millions of Indian cricket enthusiasts. India finally triumphed over New Zealand in an ICC tournament final on their third attempt. Although there were several anxious moments, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya managed to maintain their composure against the Kiwi spinners, leading India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets. This marked India's third Champions Trophy title, including the shared trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002, and their first since 2013. This victory came less than nine months after their success in the T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean.

The match was a peculiar and closely contested affair, which many would argue is the essence of a tournament final. Except for the initial ten overs of New Zealand's innings, India consistently held the upper hand, yet the Black Caps continued to deliver formidable challenges. As the match progressed, their efforts intensified, but India, arguably the most well-rounded team in the tournament, utilized their depth effectively to maintain their lead.

Ravindra Jadeja struck the winning boundary and continued his run despite colliding with Will O'Rourke. KL Rahul, remaining composed, finished unbeaten on 34 off 33 balls, as India successfully chased down the target of 252 with six balls remaining, following notable contributions from Rohit Sharma (76 off 83 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62 balls).

India appeared to be in a strong position while Rohit and Shubman Gill were at the crease, but a drinks break followed by an extraordinary catch from New Zealand's exceptional Glenn Phillips shifted the momentum of the match. India, having started at 103 without loss, quickly found themselves at 122 for 3 within eight overs. After Gill was dismissed for 31, Virat Kohli was trapped lbw by Michael Bracewell for just 1 run in the subsequent over. Kohli's mistake was closing the face of his bat too early, resulting in the ball turning and striking him in front of the stumps. Although he opted for a review, it proved to be futile.

The early dismissal of Kohli is always a significant setback; losing him during a final run chase can leave the team reeling for a considerable period. This scenario unfolded for India as Santner, Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra effectively tightened the screws, reminiscent of the earlier efforts by Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

Rohit and Shreyas Iyer struggled to rotate the strike, leading to an ill-timed shot. Rohit advanced down the pitch to Ravindra, who subtly adjusted his length and generated enough turn to evade Rohit's bat. Tom Latham, positioned behind the stumps, swiftly dislodged the bails.

Subsequently, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel absorbed the pressure for the next hour, forming a crucial 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. With 69 runs required from 69 balls, India appeared to regain control, yet New Zealand remained resilient. Iyer's reckless shot resulted in his dismissal for 48, allowing New Zealand to remain competitive.

KL Rahul entered the fray and struck a magnificent six to alleviate some pressure. Axar Patel followed suit with a boundary, briefly putting India ahead, but New Zealand was determined to fight back. Bracewell, undoubtedly New Zealand's standout performer of the day, dismissed Axar in his final over, keeping his team in contention.

Hardik Pandya then joined Rahul, with the responsibility of guiding India to victory, similar to their performance against Australia. The pair propelled India to the brink of success with a rapid 38-run partnership before Jadeja and Rahul ultimately sealed the win.

Rohit's brilliant knock

The legends of the sport possess an exceptional ability to rise to the occasion, a quality exemplified by Indian captain Rohit Sharma during the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 final.

In the powerplay, Sharma decisively dominated the New Zealand bowlers Kyle Jamieson, Nathan Smith, and William O'Rourke, contributing significantly to India's impressive score of 64 without loss by the end of the 10th over.

His aggressive innings included three sixes and seven fours, and he formed a formidable partnership of 105 runs for the first wicket with Gill. Although the momentum shifted following Phillips' catch, Rohit had already provided India with a substantial advantage. This allowed the middle order, featuring Iyer, Axar, and Rahul, to maintain composure and guide the team to victory.

Indian spinners bring down high-flying Kiwis

The Indian spinners deserve significant recognition for their role in securing this victory. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) performed admirably alongside Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, as the quartet collectively allowed only 144 runs in the 38 overs they bowled. Nevertheless, the strong start by New Zealand did not reflect the total they ultimately achieved.

New Zealand surged to 69 for 1 within the first 10 overs, despite losing Will Young to Chakravarthy in the sixth over. However, the introduction of Kuldeep in the 11th over dramatically altered the dynamics of the match.

On his very first delivery, Kuldeep dismissed Ravindra, who misread a cleverly disguised googly that knocked over his stumps.

This wicket ended a solid opening partnership of 57 runs, during which Ravindra had taken advantage of Hardik Pandya, hitting a six and two consecutive fours, and was dropped on 28 by Mohammed Shami off his bowling.

In the subsequent over, Kane Williamson's forward defence against the left-arm wrist spinner resulted in a return catch, leaving the Kiwis at 75 for three in 12.2 overs.

From that moment onward, the Indian spin quartet took command of the match, and New Zealand struggled to find the boundary for the next 81 balls.

Kuldeep and Varun effectively utilized the turn available from the pitch, while Axar and Jadeja focused on speed to restrict the Kiwis' scoring opportunities, with both strategies proving successful on the day.

Chakravarthy also showcased his variety of deliveries, claiming the wicket of Phillips and breaking a promising 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Meanwhile, Mitchell adeptly manoeuvred the field for singles and twos, reaching his fifty off 91 balls.

His two boundaries off Shami in the 46th over signalled a late surge. He also formed a valuable 46-run partnership with Bracewell, who struck some powerful shots for the sixth wicket before being dismissed by Shami. Bracewell's aggressive play ensured that the Kiwis managed to score 50 runs in the final five overs, but it was insufficient on a night that belonged to India.

Read Also: Virat Kohli Addresses Retirement Speculation After Champions Trophy Victory

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