India has finally broken its 12-year ICC title drought, securing its third Champions Trophy after a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Dubai. The win marks India’s first ODI tournament triumph since the 2013 Champions Trophy, reinforcing their dominance in world cricket.
In a match filled with twists and turns, captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a brilliant 76 off 83 balls, while KL Rahul (33 from 32 balls)* held his nerve to seal the win with just six balls to spare.
India was in control for most of the chase, but New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Mitchell Santner (2-46) and Michael Bracewell (2-28), fought back to create a tense finish. Ultimately, India’s depth and composure under pressure saw them over the line, ending New Zealand’s ICC finals heartbreak yet again.
New Zealand Sets Up a Challenging Target
Winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner opted to bat first in front of a crowd heavily dominated by Indian supporters. The Kiwis had a solid start, with Will Young and Rachin Ravindra putting together a 57-run partnership. However, missed chances by India early on gave New Zealand some extra breathing space.
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India’s bowlers struck back, with Varun Chakaravarthy (2-45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2-40) leading a spin assault that troubled the Kiwi batters. Yadav’s first ball was a perfectly disguised wrong-un that sent Ravindra back for 37, while Kane Williamson (10) gifted a simple return catch to the bowler soon after.
The Black Caps struggled to find momentum in the middle overs, going a staggering 81 deliveries without a boundary. Wicketkeeper Tom Latham fell LBW to Ravindra Jadeja (1-30), adding to their woes.
A late fightback from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 91 balls) and Bracewell (53 off 40 balls)* helped New Zealand post a competitive 7-252. However, the lack of acceleration in the middle overs meant India would go into the chase as favorites.
Rohit Sharma’s Blazing Start
India’s run chase started with fireworks, as skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put up the highest opening partnership of the tournament (105 runs). Rohit was in devastating form, smashing boundaries at will, including a towering six off the second ball of the innings.
Gill (31) fell to a stunning one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips, triggering a mini-collapse where India lost three wickets for 17 runs. Virat Kohli (1) fell LBW to Bracewell, wasting a review before walking back dejectedly, and Rohit was stumped after misjudging a charge against part-time spinner Ravindra.
New Zealand’s spinners tightened their grip, slowing India’s scoring rate and bringing the game to a nervy climax.
Middle-Order Struggles and New Zealand’s Fightback
As the pitch slowed down, batting became tougher. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel tried to steady the innings, but the Kiwis remained sharp in the field. A comedy of errors saw New Zealand miss a run-out chance after Will Young rolled his ankle retrieving a misfield.
Iyer unleashed a monstrous 109m six off Phillips, but fell while attempting the same shot the next ball. He was given a second life when Kyle Jamieson dropped an easy catch, but eventually perished for 48. Patel (29) also holed out, leaving India needing 46 from 42 balls with four wickets in hand.
Rahul and Pandya Hold Their Nerve
Despite the pressure mounting, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya (18 off 18) guided India towards the target, rotating the strike and punishing loose balls. New Zealand’s fielding errors proved costly, and in the end, Rahul finished the chase in style with a calm boundary in the penultimate over.
Post-Match Reactions
An emotional Virat Kohli summed up the victory, saying:
“We wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. Winning a big tournament like this is an amazing feeling.”
Rohit Sharma, the Player of the Match, credited the team’s balance and composure under pressure, while KL Rahul lightheartedly admitted:
“I don’t think I should say this on camera, but I was s***ing myself at the end!”
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner was disappointed but remained proud of his team’s fight:
“It’s tough to lose another final, but we played some really good cricket. Credit to India, they handled the pressure well.”
New Zealand’s ICC Finals Curse Continues
The heartbreak continues for New Zealand, who have now lost another ICC tournament final. Their recent struggles in big matches include:
- 2019 World Cup Final (lost to England in a dramatic Super Over)
- 2021 T20 World Cup Final (lost to Australia)
- 2023 World Cup Semi-Final (lost to India)
- 2025 Champions Trophy Final (lost to India)
Despite their consistent performances, the Kiwis have struggled to cross the final hurdle in major tournaments.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
With the Champions Trophy concluded, India will now shift focus to the upcoming ICC Test Championship and their tour of England. The win in Dubai will be a huge morale booster as they prepare for future challenges.
For New Zealand, soul-searching will be needed after yet another final defeat. With senior players like Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult reaching the twilight of their careers, the Black Caps will be keen to groom young talents for the next generation.
Final Thoughts
India’s third Champions Trophy title is a moment of national pride, breaking their long wait for an ICC trophy and reinforcing their status as an ODI powerhouse. Rohit Sharma’s leadership, Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant spin, and KL Rahul’s finishing touch were all key factors in this memorable triumph.
For New Zealand, another missed opportunity will sting, but their resilience and fighting spirit cannot be questioned.
As Indian fans celebrate worldwide, the team will now aim for more silverware in upcoming ICC tournaments. One thing is certain – cricket fans were treated to a thrilling final that will be remembered for years to come. 🎉🏆
Final Scorecard:
New Zealand: 7-252 (50 overs)
Daryl Mitchell 63 (91), Michael Bracewell 53* (40)
Kuldeep Yadav 2-40, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-45
India: 6-253 (49 overs)
Rohit Sharma 76 (83), KL Rahul 33* (32)
Michael Bracewell 2-28, Mitchell Santner 2-46
India won by 4 wickets with 6 balls to spare 🎉
