In a thrilling finale on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets. This victory underscored India’s dominance in white-ball cricket and highlighted their strategic prowess and adaptability throughout the tournament.
Match Overview: New Zealand vs India
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first, setting a target of 252 runs for India. Despite a commendable effort from the Black Caps, India’s balanced approach in both bowling and batting ensured they chased down the target, finishing at 254/6 with six balls to spare.
New Zealand’s Innings
The Black Caps faced challenges early on, with India’s spinners exploiting the spin-friendly conditions of the Dubai pitch. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were particularly effective, taking crucial wickets and stifling New Zealand’s run rate. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63 runs, while Michael Bracewell contributed an unbeaten 53, guiding New Zealand to a total of 251/7.
India’s Bowling Prowess
India’s spin quartet—Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja—played pivotal roles throughout the tournament, especially in the final. Their ability to adapt and maintain pressure was instrumental in restricting New Zealand to a modest total. Captain Rohit Sharma lauded their consistent performances, emphasizing their contribution to India’s success.
India’s Chase
Chasing 252, India got off to a solid start with captain Rohit Sharma leading from the front. His aggressive 76 runs set the tone for the innings. Despite a mid-innings wobble, where India lost three wickets in quick succession, the middle order stabilized the chase. Shreyas Iyer’s gritty 48 and Axar Patel’s valuable 29 provided the necessary support. In the final overs, KL Rahul’s composed 34 not out, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, ensured India crossed the finish line with six wickets down and an over to spare.
Key Moments: New Zealand vs India
Rohit Sharma’s Leadership:His captaincy and batting were instrumental in setting a strong foundation for the chase.
Spin Dominance:The effective use of spinners on a conducive pitch highlighted India’s strategic acumen.
Middle-Order Resilience:Contributions from Iyer, Patel, and Rahul showcased India’s depth in batting and ability to handle pressure situations.
New Zealand’s Performance
Despite the loss, New Zealand displayed commendable resilience. Captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the team’s efforts throughout the tournament, highlighting their ability to reach the finals and compete against top teams. The absence of key pacer Matt Henry, due to an injury sustained in the semi-final against South Africa, was a significant setback. Santner emphasized the team’s fighting spirit and the valuable experience gained by both seasoned players and newcomers.
Tournament Highlights
India’s Unbeaten Run: India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing consistency and dominance.
Rachin Ravindra’s Excellence: The New Zealand all-rounder was named Player of the Tournament for his stellar performances, reflecting his significant impact despite the team’s runner-up finish.
Spin-Friendly Conditions: The Dubai pitch consistently favored spinners, influencing team strategies and match outcomes.
Conclusion
India’s triumph in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand vs India was a testament to their strategic brilliance, adaptability, and depth in both batting and bowling departments. The team’s ability to perform under pressure and leverage favorable conditions underscores their status as a powerhouse in international cricket. Conversely, New Zealand’s journey to the finals, despite challenges, highlights their resilience and competitiveness on the global stage.
