A Battle of Titans – India vs New Zealand final
India Clinches ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a Thrilling Win Over New Zealand
The Finals
Cricket fans around the world witnessed a spectacular finale to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as India emerged victorious against New Zealand on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium. In a closely fought contest, India claimed a 4-wicket win, adding another prestigious trophy to their cabinet and solidifying their dominance on the world cricket stage. This blog captures the highlights, key performances, and moments that defined the match.
The Match: A Nail-Biting Contest
The much-anticipated final brought together two cricketing powerhouses: India and New Zealand. The match lived up to its billing, delivering edge-of-the-seat action for fans.
Match Overview: A Battle of Titans
The final brought together two cricketing giants, India and New Zealand, both known for their competitive spirit and tactical brilliance. The match lived up to its billing, delivering edge-of-the-seat action for cricket fans worldwide.
New Zealand Innings
Winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first on a pitch that offered something for both batters and bowlers. They posted a competitive total of 251/7 in 50 overs, thanks to standout contributions from:
- Daryl Mitchell: A well-crafted 63 runs off 75 balls, anchoring the innings.
- Michael Bracewell: An unbeaten 53 runs off 40 balls, providing a late flourish with his aggressive batting.
India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah (2/39) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/45), kept the Kiwi batters in check, ensuring the target was within reach.
India’s bowling attack was disciplined, with standout performances from:
- Kuldeep Yadav: Claimed 2 wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs, including the crucial dismissals of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: Bowled with precision, taking 2 wickets for 45 runs.
India’s Chase
Chasing 252 for victory, India got off to a steady start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laying a solid foundation. Rohit, in particular, showcased his class, scoring a brilliant 76 runs off 83 balls that included 9 boundaries and a six.
However, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling created pressure in the middle overs, leading to a flurry of wickets. At one stage, India found themselves at 204/6, needing 48 runs from the last 6 overs.
Enter Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, who displayed nerves of steel to guide India home. Pandya’s unbeaten 31 and Jadeja’s 18 not out proved decisive as India reached 254/6 in 49 overs, clinching a memorable victory.
Key Performances
- Rohit Sharma (Player of the Match): The Indian skipper’s commanding knock of 76 set the tone for the chase and earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His disciplined bowling in the powerplay and death overs ensured New Zealand could not post an imposing total.
- Michael Bracewell: The Kiwi all-rounder’s late surge with the bat kept his team in the contest.
Key Moments of the Match
- Rohit Sharma’s Captain’s Knock: The Indian skipper’s composed innings laid the foundation for the chase and earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s Magic: His double strike in the middle overs derailed New Zealand’s momentum.
- Bracewell’s Late Flourish: His aggressive batting in the death overs gave New Zealand a fighting chance.
- Pandya-Jadeja Partnership: Their unbeaten 48-run stand under pressure sealed the win for India.
The Moment of Glory
The moment Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning runs sparked wild celebrations among Indian players and fans alike. The victory marked India’s second ICC Champions Trophy title, the first coming back in 2013. It was also a testament to the team’s ability to thrive under pressure in high-stakes games.
Significance of the Victory
This win holds immense significance for Indian cricket: India cricket team victory
- Breaking the ICC Jinx: India’s last ICC ODI title came in 2013. This victory ends a long drought and reaffirms India’s dominance in world cricket.
- Momentum for the World Cup: With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2025 just months away, this triumph boosts the team’s confidence.
- Team Effort: The victory showcased India’s depth, with contributions from both experienced players and young talents.
What This Win Means for India
This triumph solidifies India’s reputation as a formidable force in ICC tournaments. The team’s mix of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and young talents such as Shubman Gill reflects a well-rounded squad capable of achieving greatness.
Additionally, this victory serves as a morale booster ahead of upcoming international series and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2025 later this year.
Conclusion
India’s thrilling 4-wicket win over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be remembered as one of the most exciting matches in cricket history. The team’s resilience, composure, and unity under pressure were on full display, making it a day to cherish for Indian cricket fans worldwide. As the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: Team India’s quest for glory is far from over.