Introduction :

India scripted history by defeating New Zealand by four wickets to claim the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This remarkable victory ended India’s 12-year-long wait for an ICC ODI title, their first since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni. With this win, India has now lifted the Champions Trophy for the third time (2002, 2013 and 2025), making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

India’s Dominance in ICC Tournaments Continues

This victory adds another feather to India’s cap, reinforcing their supremacy in global cricket. Following their T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, India has now secured two ICC trophies in under a year. The latest achievement further cements their reputation as one of the most dominant cricketing nations.

India also took sweet revenge on New Zealand, avenging their loss in the 2000 Champions Trophy final, which remains New Zealand’s only ICC limited-overs title to date.

Rohit Sharma Leads from the Front in the Chase

Chasing a competitive target of 252, India sealed the victory with an over to spare as Ravindra Jadeja smashed the winning boundary off William O’Rourke in the penultimate over.

  • Rohit Sharmaled from the front with a composed 76 off 83 balls, building a solid 105-run opening stand with Shubman Gill (31 off 50).
  • New Zealand’s spinners, Mitchell Santner (2/46), Michael Bracewell (2/28), and Rachin Ravindra (1/47),tried to claw their way back into the game by picking up timely wickets.
  • Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62) and Axar Patel (29 off 40)steadied India’s innings after a brief collapse.
  • In the final phase, KL Rahul (34 not out) and Hardik Pandya (18)played crucial cameos to take India across the finish line.

New Zealand’s Fighting Effort with the Bat

Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted 251/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to crucial contributions from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Michael Bracewell (53 not out off 40).

  • Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) and Will Young (15 off 23)gave the Kiwis a steady start with a 57-run opening stand.
  • However, India’s spin attack tightened the grip, with Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40)dismantling the middle order.
  • Kuldeep removed both Ravindra and Kane Williamson (11), while Varun sent back Young and Glenn Phillips (34).
  • At 165/5 in the 38th over, New Zealand was in deep trouble, but Mitchell and Bracewell’s 46-run partnership for the sixth wicket helped them cross the 250-run mark.
  • Bracewell’s late onslaught, which included two sixes and three fours,pushed New Zealand to a respectable total.

Final Scorecard

  • New Zealand:251/7 (50 overs)

Daryl Mitchell 63 (101), Michael Bracewell 53 (40);

Varun Chakaravarthy 2/45, Kuldeep Yadav 2/40*

  • India:252/6 (48.5 overs)

Rohit Sharma 76 (83), Shreyas Iyer 48 (62);

Michael Bracewell 2/28, Mitchell Santner 2/46

  • India won by 4 wickets

India’s Long Wait Ends, New Zealand’s Search Continues

While India celebrates the end of their 12-year ICC ODI title drought, New Zealand’s quest for an elusive 50-over ICC title continues. Their last major ICC tournament victory came in the 2021 World Test Championship.

With two ICC trophies in quick succession, India has firmly re-established its dominance in world cricket. As they set their sights on defending the T20 World Cup title in 2026, this victory adds another golden chapter to their illustrious cricketing legacy.

Why This Victory Matters for Indian Cricket

  • Most Successful Champions Trophy Team

India now has the most Champions Trophy titles (3), surpassing other teams.

  • Resurgence in ICC Tournaments

After years of near misses, India has clinched two ICC trophies in under 12 months.

  • Rohit Sharma’s Legacy

With another ICC title under his leadership, Rohit Sharma has strengthened his place among India’s greatest captains.

  • A New Era of Indian Cricket

With a mix of experienced stars and young talent, India’s future in international cricket looks bright.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Team India?

With this triumph, India will now focus on:

  • The 2026 T20 World Cup– Defending their title and continuing their global dominance.
  • The 2027 ODI World Cup– Aiming to add a third ODI World Cup trophy to their cabinet.
  • Bilateral Series & World Test Championship– Strengthening their squad across all formats.

Final Thoughts

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory is a testament to their resilience, strategy, and hunger for success. The team has proved their mettle by winning two ICC trophies back-to-back, announcing their resurgence in world cricket. With a strong core of players and a winning mindset, Indian cricket is set to rule the world stage for years to come.