India lifts the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after a nerve-wracking chase against New Zealand in Dubai
March 9, 2025 – India finally ended their 12-year ICC trophy drought, with KL Rahul’s composure and Ravindra Jadeja’s finishing touch guiding them to victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
“We kept our nerves, believed in our process, and got the job done,” Rahul said after steering India home in a tense chase.
With India needing stability after losing wickets at crucial junctures, Rahul anchored the innings, while Hardik Pandya’s aggressive approach briefly threatened to end the match in a flurry of boundaries. However, after Hardik’s dismissal for 18, it was Jadeja who ensured there were no late stumbles, sealing India’s triumph.
A Chase Full of Twists and Turns
Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a 76-run knock, giving India a strong start. But his dismissal shifted the momentum, forcing the middle order into a gritty battle against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
🔹 Shreyas Iyer fell for 48, missing a well-deserved fifty.
🔹 Virat Kohli (2) and Shubman Gill (31) fell cheaply, putting India under pressure.
🔹 Axar Patel’s rash shot and Hardik Pandya’s brief cameo (18 off 17) made the chase tense.
New Zealand’s spinners, led by Mitchell Santner (2/46) and Rachin Ravindra (1/42), kept the game competitive, but India’s depth proved too much in the end.
Spin Magic Sets Up India’s Victory
Earlier, India’s bowlers dictated the game, restricting New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs. The spin quartet of Varun Chakravarthy (2/45), Kuldeep Yadav (2/40), Axar Patel (0/29), and Ravindra Jadeja (1/30) choked the Kiwi batting lineup.
🔹 Kane Williamson (11) fell to Kuldeep Yadav, caught off a mistimed push back to the bowler.
🔹 Tom Latham (22) misjudged Jadeja’s spin, falling LBW after a failed sweep attempt.
🔹 Daryl Mitchell’s steady 63 (101) and Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 gave New Zealand a fighting total, but India’s dominance with the ball proved decisive.
Despite a few hiccups in the chase, India’s resilience, experience, and ability to handle pressure proved the difference in securing their first ICC trophy since 2013.
The wait is over—India reigns supreme in the Champions Trophy once again!
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