Cricket: India Edge Past New Zealand to Clinch 2025 Champions Trophy in Thrilling Final

Updated by Anastasios Gordon Sekandi at 05:48 EAT Monday 10 March 2025

The two sides had already clashed in the group stage, where India emerged victorious — and history repeated itself in the final, though not without drama.

India 2025 Winning Team. *Courtesy Photo*.

India claimed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title with a tense four-wicket win over New Zealand in Dubai, chasing down 252 with an over to spare. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja held their nerve in the closing stages, guiding India to 254/6 after a rollercoaster chase that tested the unbeaten tournament favorites.

Prince to King, still cricketing royalty. *Courtesy Photo.*

A Chase Full of Twists

India’s openers laid a solid foundation, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting on a commanding 105-run partnership. But the Black Caps fought back through moments of brilliance, led by Glenn Phillips’ sensational catch to dismiss Gill for 31 off Mitchell Santner’s bowling.

Michael Bracewell struck four balls later, trapping Virat Kohli lbw for just 1, before Rachin Ravindra lured Rohit down the track for a well-made 76, stumped by Tom Latham.

Shreyas Iyer fell agonizingly short of a half-century, out for 48, and Axar Patel followed soon after. When Hardik Pandya departed for a quickfire 18 in the 48th over, caught and bowled by Kyle Jamieson, the game hung in the balance.

But Rahul (58) and Jadeja (27) kept their composure, steering India to victory and securing their third Champions Trophy crown.

New Zealand prayers fought till the end but couldn’t cross the final hurdle. *Courtesy Photo.*

New Zealand’s Fighting Effort

Earlier, New Zealand posted 251/7, boosted by a late surge after India’s spinners tightened their grip through the middle overs. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each, restricting the Black Caps to just 3.30 runs per over between the 11th and 30th overs.

Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a patient 63 off 101 balls, while Bracewell’s late unbeaten 50 provided a crucial lift. Kane Williamson’s quad injury while batting — coupled with Matt Henry’s absence — left New Zealand short-handed in the field, but they still pushed India to the brink.

Despite those setbacks, standout efforts from Phillips, Santner, and Bracewell kept the Kiwis in the contest until the very end.

Some of India Players with the ICC 2025 Trophy in the dressing room. *Courtesy Photo*.

India’s Perfect Campaign

India’s triumph capped an unbeaten run through the tournament, including a commanding win over Australia in the semi-final. Their mix of disciplined bowling, resilient middle-order batting, and moments of brilliance in the field proved decisive throughout the competition.

For New Zealand, it was another heartbreak on the big stage — but their gritty performance against a dominant Indian side reaffirmed their reputation as perennial contenders.

In the end, it was India’s depth, experience, and calm under pressure that made the difference, sealing a thrilling victory and etching another chapter in their storied cricket history.