IND VS NZ: India won its second ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Stadium held on March 9, 2025, defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets. New Zealand opted to bat first on toss but proved a blessing in disguise for India as the Indian spinners took the game away from them.
Struggles of New Zealand Against Spin
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New Zealand’s batting line-up came under severe scrutiny from India’s spinners, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy causing havoc. Even though the conditions were dry initially, which looked good for batting, Indian spinners made a quick meal out of New Zealand’s top order. The Black Caps’ failure to negotiate spin effectively was clear for everyone to see, which proved to be the reason for their downfall.
Mohammad Shami and Shreyas Iyer were parties to early dropped opportunities—Shami dropped a catch in the 7th over, while Iyer skied a difficult chance in the 8th—though these slips didn’t quite derail India yet. Chakravarthy was brought on early in the 6th over, and he hit instantly, returning Will Young for a mere 15 runs via LBW in the 8th over.
Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell Rescue New Zealand
Daryl Mitchell stood firm even after the early collapse with a gritty knock of 63 runs. His contribution was most relevant to providing a fighting total to New Zealand, though the wickets fell regularly.
Rachin Ravindra, who survived two missed chances, was finally out for 37 runs when Kuldeep Yadav caught him in the first over. Yadav and Chakravarthy maintained their hold, with Yadav getting Williamson out for just 11 runs; Chakravarthy also removed Latham for a meager 14 runs. Glenn Phillips, who had 34 runs, is also a victim of Chakravarthy.
With the middle order collapsing against India’s spinners, the next in line was captain Mitchell Santner, but he too was run out by a sensational throw from Virat Kohli. New Zealand’s plight became more desperate as their lower order collapsed.
Bracewell’s Heroic Half-Century
With New Zealand’s innings in trouble, there was no doubt that it was up to Michael Bracewell to really provide the counterattack that was so vitally needed. While playing some breathtaking shots, the hard-hitting all-rounder remained unbeaten on 53 runs off 40 balls, with 2 sixes and 3 fours.
His contribution in the last few overs took New Zealand’s total score to 251 runs, which against an in-conditioned pitch, was decent enough for an ODI, but it was also true that because of their struggle against the spinners, their overall scoring potential had been curtailed severely.
Even with Bracewell’s valiant efforts, probably New Zealand had not scored enough, keeping in mind their struggles in countering the spin mastery of the Indians.
India’s Chase: A Blazing Beginning and Middle-Inning Crisis
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As a reaction, India’s opening batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, emerged with an attacking mindset. In the very second ball of the innings, Rohit Sharma struck a six off mid-wicket, putting the New Zealand bowlers under instant pressure.
The couple commanded the powerplay, with both batsmen scoring easily to the boundary. Rohit Sharma was in great touch, and Shubman Gill also added a decent 31 runs before getting out to a brilliant catch by Glenn Phillips.
India’s momentum was halted temporarily in the middle overs. Virat Kohli was first bowled by Michael Bracewell off a well-played delivery. Rohit Sharma, who had been playing wonderfully, was then stumped off a loose delivery from Rachin Ravindra for 76 runs, again jeopardizing the chase.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel’s Important Partnership
After the openers’ departure, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel tried to restore the innings. The duo made a useful stand, but Shreyas went for a soft dismissal, driving an aerial shot to fine leg. Axar Patel was next to go, trapped by one of Bracewell’s flighted balls, and India had plenty of work still to do.
Hardik Pandya and Jadeja Lead India to Victory
As the pressure was building, Hardik Pandya joined the battle at a turning point. His fierce batting helped give the much-needed pace to India’s run chase. Pandya bashed sixes and boundaries across the ground and released the pressure from the Indian side. But he was ultimately out to a bouncer by Kyle Jamieson.
Even with Pandya’s exit, Ravindra Jadeja remained calm and played a composed, stabilizing knock, keeping the innings intact. Together with KL Rahul, Jadeja took India to victory through an unbeaten partnership. India breached the target in the last overs, earning a richly deserved 4-wicket win and claiming the Champions Trophy 2025 title.
Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament
Rohit Sharma’s blistering 76-run knock from 83 balls fetched him the Player of the Match award. Not only did his performance aid India in reaching the target, but he also crossed the 2500-run barrier as captain. This win was his second ICC title following his triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.
Rachin Ravindra, who had been phenomenal throughout the tournament, was awarded the Player of the Tournament. With a brilliant performance with bat and ball, Ravindra finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 263 runs, demonstrating his all-round excellence.
India’s win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final proved their dominance in managing pressure, particularly against New Zealand’s spinners. Although New Zealand displayed grit with contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell, India’s tight bowling unit and stable chase eventually earned them the championship.
The game was an engaging thriller, displaying the best of international cricket, and establishing India’s place among the world cricket’s best teams.
ALSO READ: Rachin Ravindra Becomes ICC Champions Trophy 2025’s Top Run-Scorer
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