ABU DHABI, March 10: India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. On a sluggish pitch, India’s spinners played a pivotal role, taking five wickets collectively, while captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with 76 runs, and KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34 to guide India to a thrilling win.
New Zealand, batting first, posted 251/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to contrasting half-centuries from all-rounders Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls) and Michael Bracewell (53 not out off 40 balls). The Indian spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja, kept the New Zealand batting in check, with Kuldeep and Chakaravarthy claiming two wickets each and Jadeja adding one.
Chasing 252, India had a strong start as Rohit and Shubman Gill put on a 105-run opening stand. Rohit dominated the early overs, blasting seven fours and three sixes, while Gill, despite being dropped on six, supported well. However, New Zealand’s spinners kept the pressure on, taking regular wickets to cause some nervous moments in India’s chase.
Despite the setbacks, India’s deep batting line-up ensured they reached their target with an over to spare. Shreyas Iyer contributed 48 off 62 balls, while Rahul’s calm 34 not out guided India to the win. This marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, following their victories in 2002 and 2013, and their second ICC trophy in 12 months after the T20 World Cup triumph in June 2024.
Rohit, who started the chase with his typical aggression, helped India reach fifty in just 41 balls. His knock included a six and two fours off Nathan Smith, and he brought up his half-century with another six. However, after a drinks break, New Zealand’s spinners struck back. Rohit was dismissed for 76, stumped off Mitchell Santner, while Virat Kohli fell cheaply for just one after being trapped lbw by Michael Bracewell.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel then stabilised the innings, with Iyer taking the lead in rotation and patience. Iyer’s slog-sweep for six and a drop on 44 helped India stay in the chase. But after Iyer was dismissed for 48, the chase became tricky with 69 runs needed from 68 balls. Axar Patel smashed a slog-sweep for six but was dismissed for 29. Rahul then played a crucial role, staying calm under pressure and rotating the strike to keep the chase on course.
As the target neared, Hardik Pandya contributed a quickfire 11 before being dismissed. Jadeja finished off the chase in style with a pulled boundary, securing India’s victory. This win also solidified India’s reputation in Dubai, maintaining an undefeated record in ODI matches there.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s innings had a strong foundation, but India’s spinners applied the pressure, not allowing the Kiwis to break free. Mitchell’s slow half-century, combined with Bracewell’s late fireworks, helped New Zealand reach 251/7. But the Indian spinners, particularly Kuldeep and Chakaravarthy, suffocated the New Zealand middle order. Kuldeep’s double strike and a key wicket from Jadeja ensured India stayed in control throughout.
The victory also serves as a comforting moment for Indian cricket fans after their narrow defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil. With this triumph, India now stands as the most successful team in Champions Trophy history, having claimed the prestigious title three times.
Brief Scores:
- New Zealand: 251/7 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 2-40, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-45)
- India: 254/6 in 49 overs (Rohit Sharma 76, Shreyas Iyer 48, KL Rahul 34 not out; Michael Bracewell 2-28, Mitchell Santner 2-46)
- India won by four wickets.
