India Triumphs Over New Zealand to Clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025

*Dubai, March 9, 2025* – In a thrilling finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India emerged victorious over New Zealand by 44 runs to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match was a rollercoaster ride, filled with dramatic twists and stellar individual performances, ultimately culminating in India’s dominance on the global stage.

### **India’s Innings: Recovery from Early Collapse**

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India had a rocky start as they lost their top order within the first six overs. Rohit Sharma (9), Shubman Gill (4), and Virat Kohli (6) all fell cheaply, putting the team in a precarious position at 22/3. New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, kept the Indian batsmen in check with disciplined bowling.

However, Shreyas Iyer played a crucial knock to stabilize the innings. He constructed a brilliant 82 off 98 balls, holding the innings together while wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Axar Patel (40) provided much-needed support, forging a vital 74-run partnership with Iyer. Their efforts pushed India past the 200-run mark.

Despite a late collapse, where India lost wickets in quick succession, they managed to post a competitive total of 249/9 in their 50 overs. Boult (3/46) and Mitchell Santner (2/38) were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, preventing India from scoring freely in the final overs.

### **New Zealand’s Chase: Struggles Against Spin**

Chasing 250 for victory, New Zealand had a steady yet cautious start. Openers Devon Conway (28) and Finn Allen (35) added 55 runs for the first wicket before Ravindra Jadeja provided the breakthrough. From there, India’s spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy took control of the game, dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup.

Daryl Mitchell (63) tried to anchor the chase, stitching together crucial partnerships in the middle order. Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 offered some resistance, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. Chakravarthy was the star bowler for India, picking up his maiden ODI five-wicket haul (5/42), ensuring New Zealand never got back into the game.

The Kiwi side was eventually bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, falling 44 runs short of the target. India’s disciplined bowling, combined with sharp fielding efforts, sealed their victory.

### **Key Performances and Turning Points**

– **Shreyas Iyer’s Resilient Knock:** His 82-run innings was the backbone of India’s batting, rescuing them from an early collapse and guiding them to a defendable total.
– **Varun Chakravarthy’s Five-Wicket Haul:** The mystery spinner’s 5/42 completely dismantled New Zealand’s chase, proving to be the match-winning performance.
– **Trent Boult’s Early Breakthroughs:** His spell in the powerplay kept India on the back foot initially, giving New Zealand early momentum.
– **Michael Bracewell’s Fightback:** His unbeaten 53 kept New Zealand’s hopes alive, but lack of support from the other end resulted in their downfall.

### **India’s Triumph and Tournament Reflection**

India’s unbeaten run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 highlighted their dominance in world cricket. They showcased remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, with key contributions from both experienced players and rising stars.

This victory marks India’s third ICC Champions Trophy win, reinforcing their status as a cricketing powerhouse. With a blend of young talent and experienced campaigners, the team’s future looks bright as they set their sights on upcoming international tournaments.

For New Zealand, despite their commendable performance throughout the tournament, their wait for an ICC title continues. The team showed great promise but fell short at the final hurdle against a well-rounded Indian squad.

As India celebrates this historic win, fans across the globe will cherish the memories of this enthralling final, which showcased the very best of cricketing excellence.

India beats New Zealand

India beats New Zealand

India beats New Zealand

India beats New Zealand