India Clinch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Unbeaten Streak
India emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament, winning all five matches, including two against the Kiwis.
With this triumph, India secured their third Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013. Rohit Sharma also became the second Indian captain to win multiple ICC white-ball tournaments, following in the footsteps of MS Dhoni, who led India to victories in the T20 World Cup 2007, ICC ODI World Cup 2011, and Champions Trophy 2013.
READ ALSO –
Rohit Sharma Confirms He Won’t Retire from ODI Cricket
India’s Spin Quartet Stifles New Zealand
India’s spinners played a pivotal role in restricting New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs. New Zealand had moments of resurgence, especially towards the latter half of their innings, but the Indian spin attack continued to apply pressure and break crucial partnerships.
• Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav were instrumental, picking up two wickets each.
• Rachin Ravindra impressed with his fluent batting at the top.
• Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell provided some resistance with well-crafted half-centuries.
Despite a fighting effort from New Zealand’s middle order, India’s bowlers kept them from reaching an above-par total on a dry, spin-friendly track.
India’s Dominant Chase Despite Mini Collapse
Chasing 252, India got off to a flying start, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who put up a 105-run opening stand. However, India endured a mini-collapse, losing three wickets in quick succession, including:
• Rohit Sharma (76)
• Virat Kohli (1)
• Shubman Gill (47)
At 122/3, New Zealand saw a glimmer of hope, but Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) stabilized the innings, taking India closer to the target.
In the final phase, KL Rahul (34) and Hardik Pandya (18)* held their nerves, ensuring India crossed the finish line with an over to spare. Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning runs, capping off a clinical performance by Team India.
Top 3 Heroes of the Final
1. Rohit Sharma – The Captain’s Knock
Runs: 76 (63) | Fours: 7 | Sixes: 3
Rohit Sharma led from the front, displaying exceptional leadership and batting brilliance. His timely bowling changes brought success, particularly when he introduced Varun Chakravarthy, who dismissed Will Young, and Kuldeep Yadav, who took out Rachin Ravindra on his first ball.
With the bat, Rohit attacked from the outset, racing to a fifty in just 38 balls. His aggressive intent set the tone for the chase, ensuring that India remained ahead despite losing wickets later. If not for New Zealand’s disciplined bowling in the middle overs, Rohit could have reached a well-deserved century.
He also became the first Indian player to score over 1,000 ODI runs against New Zealand, further cementing his legacy as a modern-day white-ball great.
2. Michael Bracewell – New Zealand’s Lone Warrior
Batting: 53* (40) | Bowling: 10-1-28-2
Even though New Zealand ended up on the losing side, Michael Bracewell’s all-round performance stood out. His unbeaten half-century ensured that New Zealand crossed 250 runs, as he struck crucial boundaries against Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya in the final overs.
With the ball, Bracewell was New Zealand’s best performer, delivering a spell of 10 overs for just 28 runs, including a maiden over. His key wickets included Virat Kohli, who was dismissed cheaply after misjudging a flighted delivery.
3. KL Rahul – The Calm Finisher
Runs: 34* (33) | Fours: 1 | Sixes: 1
Rahul proved why he remains one of India’s most reliable batters under pressure. Walking in at 183/4, he absorbed pressure, ensured that no further collapses occurred, and guided India home.
His calm and composed approach was praised by Rohit Sharma during the post-match presentation, as he played the role of a stabilizer, allowing Hardik Pandya to play freely.
With his form and maturity, Rahul could continue to keep Rishabh Pant out of the ODI playing XI.
Top 3 Zeroes of the Final
1. Kane Williamson – A Rare Failure Under Pressure
Runs: 10 (15)
New Zealand’s captain failed to deliver when his team needed him the most. Walking in after the early loss of Will Young, Williamson had the perfect opportunity to anchor the innings and play spin carefully.
However, he fell to Kuldeep Yadav in the 13th over, offering a simple return catch while attempting a push down the ground. The dismissal was especially disappointing as Williamson had already been beaten in a similar manner earlier but failed to adjust his shot selection.
Given his ability to play long innings, New Zealand would have hoped for at least a fifty from their captain, but his early departure left them exposed against India’s spinners.
2. Nathan Smith – An Unfortunate Replacement
Overs: 2 | Runs Conceded: 22 | Wickets: 0
Nathan Smith replaced the injured Matt Henry but was nowhere near as effective. Introduced as first-change bowler, he was taken apart by Rohit Sharma, conceding 14 runs in his second over, including two fours and a six.
New Zealand quickly removed him from the attack, and he did not bowl again. The difference between Smith and Matt Henry was clear, as Henry had finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
Kuldeep Yadav Removes Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson in Consecutive Overs
3. Virat Kohli – A Struggle Against Spin Continues
Runs: 1 (4)
Virat Kohli’s struggles against spin in ODIs continued, as he was dismissed cheaply by Michael Bracewell. Trying to tuck a tossed-up delivery, Kohli misjudged the turn and was trapped LBW.
This was the third time in four innings that Kohli was dismissed by a spinner in the 2025 Champions Trophy, raising concerns over his ability to handle slow bowling on dry tracks.
Despite his reputation, Kohli’s strike rate of 73.54 in the tournament was below his usual standards, indicating that he might need to work on his approach against spin-heavy attacks.
READ ALSO –
Kuldeep Yadav Removes Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson in Consecutive Overs
Conclusion
India’s dominant all-round performance ensured a well-deserved ICC Champions Trophy victory. Their spinners dictated terms, their batters responded well under pressure, and their captain led by example.
For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell’s all-round display was the lone highlight, but failures from key players like Williamson and Smith cost them the game.
With this win, India reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse in white-ball cricket, and under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, they now look ahead to the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final and the 2026 T20 World Cup with confidence.
