India Triumphs in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Historic Victory Over New Zealand
Dubai, March 9, 2025 – India emerged victorious in a thrilling ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, defeating New Zealand by three wickets in a dramatic encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This win ended India’s 12-year ICC ODI title drought and reasserted their dominance in world cricket.
New Zealand’s Steady Start and Late Surge
After winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bat first on a pitch that offered assistance to both pacers and spinners. Openers Devon Conway and Will Young provided a cautious start, but India’s bowlers kept them in check. Mohammed Siraj struck early, removing Young for 17, while Jasprit Bumrah’s precision made scoring difficult.
Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings, scoring a resilient 63 off 82 balls, ensuring New Zealand didn’t collapse under pressure. However, India’s spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav (2/38) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/41), kept New Zealand from accelerating in the middle overs.
Michael Bracewell played a crucial role in the death overs, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 39 balls. His late hitting, supported by Glenn Phillips’ 35, pushed New Zealand to a fighting total of 252/9 in 50 overs. Siraj was India’s standout bowler, finishing with 3/42, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with key breakthroughs.
India’s Chase: A Rollercoaster Ride
Chasing 253, India faced early setbacks as captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell cheaply to Trent Boult’s masterful swing bowling. The scoreboard read 34/2 when Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer attempted to steady the ship.
Kohli looked in fine touch, playing exquisite drives before a mistimed pull off Matt Henry ended his innings at 41. Iyer (32) played a promising knock but was caught brilliantly by Rachin Ravindra off Mitchell Santner, leaving India at 110/4.
The Turning Point: Rahul and Axar’s Game-Changing Partnership
KL Rahul, calm under pressure, held the innings together with a crucial 45 off 63 balls. However, it was Axar Patel who played the defining knock of the match. Promoted up the order, Axar counterattacked, smashing 56 off 48 balls, including three sixes that swung the momentum in India’s favor.
When Rahul fell to Boult, the game was still in the balance. Enter Hardik Pandya, whose fearless 34 off 21 balls provided the much-needed acceleration. His towering six over mid-wicket in the 47th over brought India closer to victory.
Axar Patel’s Heroics Seal the Deal
With 10 runs needed off the last over, Axar Patel remained unfazed. He dispatched a length ball over long-on for six, bringing the crowd to its feet. A composed boundary through third man sealed the match, sparking euphoric celebrations in the Indian camp.
Key Highlights of the Final
- Axar Patel’s All-Round Brilliance – 56 runs and a crucial wicket made him the standout performer.
- Mohammed Siraj’s Lethal Spell – 3/42, dismantling New Zealand’s top order.
- Hardik Pandya’s Impact Knock – A quickfire 34 off 21 turned the tide.
- New Zealand’s Grit – Despite a modest total, their bowlers fought till the last over.
A Landmark Win for India
This victory not only brings home another ICC trophy but also silences critics who doubted India’s ability to win in high-pressure knockout matches. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the team displayed resilience and depth, proving why they are one of the best teams in the world.
New Zealand, despite the loss, showcased their competitive spirit, reaching yet another ICC final and pushing India to the brink. Their journey in this tournament reaffirms their place among cricket’s elite teams.
Indian fans across the world celebrate a long-awaited ICC trophy win, etching another golden chapter in the nation’s cricketing history.
India – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Winners!
