In response, India's chase began positively
India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title in a nail-biting finale against New Zealand, winning by four wickets.
Taking place in Dubai on March 9, 2025, India made the final having defeated Australia in a thriller.
Meanwhile, New Zealand thrashed South Africa by 50 runs to set up their chance for Champions Trophy glory.
Going into the final, India were the favourites and they already had a win over New Zealand in the group stage.
That match was a routine victory for India but the Champions Trophy final was the opposite.
New Zealand, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 251 for seven in their 50 overs.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63 runs, while Michael Bracewell added an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls.
India’s spin attack, led by Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, effectively restricted the run rate and took key wickets.
In response, India’s chase began positively, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scoring quickly.
Sharma was particularly aggressive, hitting early boundaries and reaching his half-century in just 41 balls.
The duo continued to steadily score runs and India reached 100 runs by the 17th over.
India’s flawless performance took a minor hit when Shubman Gill was dismissed courtesy of a phenomenal catch from Glenn Phillips.
Virat Kohli then took to the crease.
Throughout the 2025 Champions Trophy, Kohli has put on batting masterclasses but this was not the case in the final as an lbw meant he went out after scoring just a single run.
Fans were in stunned silence as Kohli swiftly exited the field of play.
It was a shock, however, Shreyas Iyer appeared to steady the ship as he and Sharma worked to reach the winning target.
India’s difficult period continued as Sharma’s innings ended at 76.
Suddenly, the final became much more interesting.
Key moments include the dismissal of several Indian batters by New Zealand bowlers, notably Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra.
But India’s pursuit was bolstered by the likes of KL Rahul.
The match went down to the wire as India lost wickets at critical moments.
KL Rahul’s composure was key in the final stages of the match but it was Ravindra Jadeja’s four that secured India’s tournament victory.
After the match, captain Rohit Sharma said:
“It’s always amazing to win an ICC event, especially the Champions Trophy.
“I remember 2017 and we could not finish the job that time. I’m very pleased with how we’ve played throughout the tournament, everyone has contributed.”
On KL Rahul, Sharma added: “Calm, composed, took his chances at the right time. This is what KL Rahul can do. He has immense talent, I don’t think anyone can hit the ball like he can.”
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