Rohit Sharma led India to a historic third ICC Men’s Champions Trophy title with a determined four-wicket victory over New Zealand in a gripping final. India successfully chased down a target of 252, sealing the win with six balls to spare as Ravindra Jadeja struck the winning runs. The triumph cements India’s dominance in the tournament, having previously won in 2002 and 2013, and marks their unbeaten campaign.
Rohit’s decision to introduce spin early in New Zealand’s innings proved crucial, as Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav dismantled the top order. After a strong opening partnership of 57 between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, the Black Caps faltered against India’s disciplined bowling. Kane Williamson’s dismissal for 12 further derailed their innings, with New Zealand struggling at 75 for three.
Despite resistance from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Glenn Phillips (34), New Zealand found runs hard to come by against India’s spinners. Michael Bracewell’s late surge, including a 39-ball fifty, helped push the total to 251 for seven. Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jadeja kept the run rate in check, ensuring a manageable chase for India.
India wins ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in historic fashion
Rohit gave India a blazing start, smashing Kyle Jamieson and Nathan Smith for early boundaries. He reached his half-century in just 11 overs, partnering with Shubman Gill for a crucial 100-run opening stand the first in a Champions Trophy final. Gill’s departure for 31 and Virat Kohli’s quick exit for one, however, saw India stumble to 108 for two.
The skipper’s dismissal for 76 increased pressure, but Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) steadied the innings. Hardik Pandya’s six off Ravindra in the 46th over tilted the match in India’s favor before KL Rahul (34 not out) and Jadeja guided the team to victory.
Reflecting on the win, Kohli emphasized the team’s collective performance throughout the tournament. “These are the moments you live for to step up under pressure. Every player contributed at key moments, which was the difference,” he said. India’s campaign featured standout efforts, including Kohli’s century to outclass Pakistan and a match winning knock against Australia, Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul versus New Zealand in the group stage, Kuldeep’s consistent wicket-taking and Jadeja and Pandya’s all round efforts.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged India’s spin attack as the turning point, with the quartet of Chakravarthy, Kuldeep, Axar, and Jadeja maintaining an economy rate below four per over. “They put the squeeze on us after the powerplay. We were probably 20 to 25 runs short, but we fought hard,” Santner admitted. With this victory, India becomes the first team to win the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy three times, reinforcing their stature in world cricket. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.