Champions Trophy 2025: India Clinches Third Champions Trophy Title with Win Over New Zealand

India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a commanding four-wicket win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. Led by a strong half-century from Rohit Sharma, a crucial knock by Shreyas Iyer, and an excellent bowling display from spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, India put in an all-round performance to emerge victorious in the final.

With this triumph, India adds another Champions Trophy title to its record, having previously shared the 2002 edition with Sri Lanka and winning the 2013 tournament under MS Dhoni.

𝗖. 𝗛. 𝗔. 𝗠. 𝗣. 𝗜. 𝗢. 𝗡. 𝗦! 🇮🇳🏆 🏆 🏆

The Rohit Sharma-led #TeamIndia are ICC #ChampionsTrophy 2025 𝙒𝙄𝙉𝙉𝙀𝙍𝙎 👏 👏

Take A Bow! 🙌 🙌#INDvNZ | #Final | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/ey2llSOYdG

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2025

Chasing a target of 252, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a solid start. Rohit, playing the aggressor, attacked the Kiwi bowlers early, smashing 14 runs off Nathan Smith in the eighth over, including two boundaries and a six. India reached 50 in just 7.2 overs, and by the end of the powerplay (10 overs), they were cruising at 64/0, with Rohit unbeaten on 49 and Gill on 10.

Rohit soon reached his fifty off 41 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. As India crossed the 100-run mark in 17 overs, the opening stand looked threatening. However, the breakthrough came when Mitchell Santner dismissed Gill for 31 off 50 balls with a stunning catch from Glenn Phillips at cover, ending the 105-run partnership.

Michael Bracewell then removed Virat Kohli for just one, reducing India to 106/2 in 19.1 overs. Spinners continued to bring New Zealand back into the contest as Rachin Ravindra struck a crucial blow, dismissing Rohit for 76 off 83 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes. India found themselves at 122/3 in 26.1 overs, facing a tough phase.

Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel rebuilt the innings with a steady partnership, taking India past 150 in 32.5 overs. However, New Zealand struck again, with Santner dismissing Iyer for 48 off 62 balls (two fours, two sixes), thanks to a sharp catch from Rachin Ravindra near short fine leg. India was 183/4 in 38.4 overs, still needing 69 runs off 69 balls.

KL Rahul and Axar Patel carried India past 200 in 40.5 overs, but just when they looked set to take India closer, Axar fell for 29 off 40 balls, caught brilliantly by William O’Rourke off Bracewell’s bowling. India now needed 49 runs from 51 balls with five wickets in hand.

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul kept the scoreboard ticking with sensible strike rotation and occasional boundaries, bringing India’s equation down to 32 off 30 balls. However, Hardik (18) fell while attempting a pull shot, caught by Kyle Jamieson, adding some late tension to the chase. But Ravindra Jadeja ensured there were no more hiccups, hitting the winning boundary and sealing a historic win for India.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the toss. Their openers, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, got off to a flying start, putting up a 57-run stand inside seven overs. However, Varun Chakravarthy broke the partnership by dismissing Young for 15. Ravindra, who had been aggressive, scoring 37 off 29 balls (four boundaries and a six), was soon cleaned up by Kuldeep Yadav, leaving New Zealand at 69/2 in 10.1 overs.

Skipper Kane Williamson, who had been in top form with a century in the semi-final, couldn’t make an impact this time and fell to a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort by Kuldeep for just 11. The Blackcaps reached 100 in 19.2 overs but struggled to build momentum as wickets kept falling. Tom Latham (14) was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, while Glenn Phillips (34) was bowled by Chakravarthy, leaving New Zealand at 165/5 in 37.5 overs.

Daryl Mitchell played a stabilizing knock of 63 off 101 balls but was dismissed by Mohammed Shami in the 46th over. Despite being expensive (1/74 in 9 overs), Shami finished the tournament as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps. Skipper Santner (8) was run out by Virat Kohli, further denting New Zealand’s hopes.

A late flourish by Michael Bracewell, who remained unbeaten on 53 off 40 balls (three fours, two sixes), helped New Zealand reach a competitive total of 251/7. However, India’s spinners controlled most of the innings. Chakravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) were the standout bowlers, while Ravindra Jadeja (1/30) and Axar Patel (0/29 in 8 overs) kept things tight.

Match Scorecard

“A very satisfying win”: Rohit Sharma reflects on India’s historic third Champions Trophy title

India captain Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude to the fans after leading the team to a historic third ICC Champions Trophy title, calling the victory “very satisfying.” Following India’s commanding four-wicket triumph over New Zealand in the final in Dubai on Sunday, Rohit acknowledged the unwavering support from the crowd throughout the tournament.

“I appreciate everyone who came to support us. The crowd has been amazing. Not our home ground, but they made it our home ground. Very satisfying win,” Rohit said during the post-match presentation.

With this victory, India became the first team to win the ICC Champions Trophy three times, further cementing their dominance in global white-ball cricket. Rohit credited India’s spinners for their match-winning contributions and praised their ability to perform under pressure. He specifically highlighted Varun Chakravarthy’s impact, noting the mystery spinner’s crucial role in shifting the momentum in India’s favor.

“Right from the beginning, our spinners… there is too much expectation, but they never disappointed. It helped them, and we used that to our advantage. We were very consistent with our bowling,” he added.

Speaking about Chakravarthy, he said, “He has something different about him. When you are playing on such a pitch, you want to have something like him. He didn’t start but played later and got wickets. Luckily for us, it came to use.”

Rohit also lauded KL Rahul for his composure in high-pressure moments, particularly his role in finishing the chase.

“[KL] A very solid mind, never gets overawed by the pressure around him. He finished off the game for us. He picks the right shot to play in pressure situations, which allows the rest of the batters to play freely. For eg, Hardik,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Rohit reiterated his appreciation for the fans, emphasizing how their support serves as a significant motivator for the team.

“Very grateful for the fans. We really appreciate their support. It may not be seen as useful, but when they come out, it makes a difference.”

Shubman Gill hails Rohit Sharma’s leadership as India clinches third Champions Trophy title

Reflecting on the triumph, opener Shubman Gill praised Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting approach.

Speaking after the match, he said, “Felt amazing. For the most time, I sat back and enjoyed Rohit’s batting. He told me it doesn’t matter how the scoreboard gap is; the aim was to bat till the end. We missed out in 2023, so it’s great to win eight ODIs back to back. Seeing the intensity with which he plays is amazing. He keeps telling us to give it everything and backs it up.”

Gill also commended New Zealand’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, acknowledging their consistent execution of plans.

“NZ are very consistent and execute plans accurately. We know they give it their all. They showed it tonight with their consistency,” he added.

Santner hails “outstanding” Rohit, admits NZ was beaten by a “good” side

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had high praise for India skipper Rohit Sharma, whose commanding innings played a pivotal role in securing the Champions Trophy title in Dubai on Sunday.

“The powerplay was the best time to bat, Rohit and Gill cashed in, Rohit’s inning was outstanding, and it put us on the back foot, but we knew the game could change quickly, and we kept chipping away at the wickets and stayed in the game,” Santner said during the post-match presentation.

When New Zealand needed a breakthrough, Santner took matters into his own hands, breaking the opening stand with the help of a stunning one-handed catch from Glenn Phillips.

“He keeps doing it, doesn’t he?” he said in admiration of Phillips’ fielding brilliance.

Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, Santner acknowledged India’s world-class spin attack and how it impacted their innings.

“It was good bowling. We lost a couple of wickets after the powerplay. Credit to the way their spinners bowled, all four of them were world-class. We were 25 under, but we had a total; we tried to fight, and that’s what we did,” he added.

Despite the heartbreaking end to New Zealand’s campaign, Rachin Ravindra stood out with his stellar performances, scoring two magnificent centuries and earning the Player of the Tournament award.

“We have seen how he (Rachin) steps up in these major events; he has been outstanding with the ball and even GP. He understands his game at such a young age and even put pressure on India early on. It has been enjoyable and made easier by the group, and I can’t thank the boys enough. We have adjusted to different wickets, so close, but it has been a great tournament,” he said.

Looking back at the tournament, Santner expressed pride in his team’s journey and acknowledged that they were ultimately outplayed by a stronger side in the final.

“It has been a good tournament. We had challenges along the way, but we have grown as a group and played some good cricket. We were beaten by a good side who turned up today. There was a lot of good stuff from our group, guys stepping up at different times, and that’s all you can ask as a captain,” he added.

President Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extend congratulations

Following the historic win, President of India Draupadi Murmu congratulated the team, recognizing their remarkable feat.

Taking to her X handle, she wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the ICC Champions Trophy, 2025. India became the only team to win the Trophy thrice. The players, the management, and the support staff deserve the highest accolades for creating cricketing history. I wish Indian cricket a very bright future.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also praised India’s dominant performance and the inspiration it provides to young cricketers.

He posted, “What a fantastic victory and superb performance by the Indian cricket team! Team India has scripted history by defeating New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. India is elated by this victory. Congratulations to the entire team on their spectacular display of cricketing skills. Today’s victory will motivate many youngsters and aspiring cricketers.”