India vs New Zealand – ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: A Battle for Glory

India vs New Zealand – ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: A Battle for Glory

Cricket fans around the world were treated to a thrilling spectacle as India and New Zealand locked horns in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With both teams boasting world-class talent and a history of intense battles, the stage was set for a high-voltage encounter.

And what a match it turned out to be!

New Zealand’s Innings: A Fight for Respectable Total

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand aimed to put a challenging total on the board. However, India’s bowlers had different plans.

Daryl Mitchell stood firm in the middle, scoring 63 off 81 balls, providing much-needed stability.

Michael Bracewell played a late blitz, smashing 53 off 39 balls*, pushing New Zealand to a respectable 251/7 in 50 overs.

But India’s bowlers ensured the Kiwis never truly broke free:

Jasprit Bumrah (2/38) was sensational, striking early and keeping things tight at the death.

Kuldeep Yadav (2/44) continued his magic, troubling New Zealand’s batters with his deceptive spin.

New Zealand might have wanted 20-30 runs more, but on a tricky Dubai pitch, 252 looked like a fighting total.

India’s Chase: A Rollercoaster Ride

Chasing 252, India got off to a shaky start:

Shubman Gill (18) fell early, dismissed after a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips.

Virat Kohli (21) looked good but perished attempting an ambitious shot.

At 99/3, the pressure was mounting. But that’s when Captain Rohit Sharma stepped up.

Rohit Sharma (76 off 89 balls) played a masterclass in patience and aggression, anchoring the chase.

KL Rahul (34)* provided the finishing touches with a cool-headed knock under pressure.

New Zealand fought till the end, with Trent Boult and Matt Henry picking up key wickets, but India’s depth in batting proved too strong.

In the 49th over, with 3 balls to spare, Ravindra Jadeja smashed the winning boundary, sending Indian fans into a frenzy!

Turning Points of the Match

1. Bumrah’s Powerplay Magic – His early wickets ensured New Zealand never got off to a flying start.

2. Bracewell’s Late Flourish – Without his 53*, New Zealand might have fallen well short of 250.

3. Rohit’s Captain’s Knock – Leading from the front in a high-pressure chase.

4. Jadeja’s Ice-cool Finish – Proving once again why he’s India’s go-to player in crunch situations.

India’s Legacy Grows – Another ICC Trophy!

With this victory, India lifted their third ICC Champions Trophy, adding another feather to their cap. It was a game of nerves, strategy, and individual brilliance—everything a final should be!

New Zealand, despite falling short, won hearts with their never-give-up attitude, proving yet again why they are one of the most respected teams in world cricket.

For Indian fans, March 9, 2025, will be a date to remember—a day when their team conquered the world once again!

What did you think of the match? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!