On March 9, 2025, the cricketing world turned its eyes to the Dubai International Stadium, where India and New Zealand clashed in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This ninth edition of the tournament, hosted by Pakistan with the UAE as a co-host for India’s matches, concluded with a nail-biting spectacle that saw India emerge victorious by 4 wickets, clinching their third Champions Trophy title. Here’s a detailed recap of the match, the journey to the final, and what this victory means for Indian cricket.
The Road to the Final
The Champions Trophy 2025, running from February 19 to March 9, featured eight top-ranked ODI teams from the 2023 World Cup, divided into two groups. India, alongside New Zealand, Bangladesh, and defending champions Pakistan, dominated Group A. New Zealand secured their spot in the knockouts as the second qualifier from the group, while India topped the table with an unbeaten run. Group B saw South Africa and Australia advance, setting up semi-final matchups that electrified fans worldwide.
In the first semi-final on March 4 in Dubai, India faced Australia. After bowling out the Aussies for 264, India chased down the total with 4 wickets in hand, thanks to a match-defining 84 from Virat Kohli. This victory confirmed the final would be held in Dubai, as per the hybrid model agreed upon due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan. Meanwhile, in Lahore on March 5, New Zealand posted a tournament-record 362/6 against South Africa, powered by centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102). Despite a valiant effort from David Miller (100*), South Africa fell short by 50 runs, paving the way for a blockbuster India-New Zealand final.
The Final: A Tale of Resilience and Brilliance
Toss and Team News
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total on a Dubai pitch known for being slow and dry, favoring spinners. The Black Caps were dealt a blow with fast bowler Matt Henry ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained in the semi-final, replaced by William O’Rourke. India, unchanged from their semi-final XI, fielded a balanced side led by captain Rohit Sharma, with a potent spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja.
New Zealand Innings: A Fighting 251/7
New Zealand started brightly, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra putting on 57 runs in 7.4 overs. India’s fielding lapses—dropped catches by Mohammed Shami and Shreyas Iyer—gave the Kiwis early momentum. However, Varun Chakaravarthy struck in the eighth over, trapping Young lbw for 27. Kuldeep Yadav then turned the game, dismissing Ravindra (37 off 29) and catching Williamson (11 off 14) off his own bowling in quick succession, leaving New Zealand at 75/3 after 13 overs.
Tom Latham (14 off 30) fell to Jadeja’s guile, and Glenn Phillips (34 off 52) provided resistance before Varun bowled him. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a composed 63 off 101 balls, but his slow scoring rate reflected India’s tight bowling. In the death overs, Santner’s run-out for 8 and Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 off 40 balls, including a boundary off the last ball, lifted New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs. India’s spinners—Varun (2/45), Kuldeep (2/40), and Jadeja (1/30)—starred, while Shami (1/74) and Hardik Pandya (1/30) chipped in.
India’s Chase: From Cruise Control to a Tense Finish
Chasing 252, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill launched a blistering assault, racing to 105/0 in 18.3 overs. Rohit, in scintillating form, smashed 76 off 83 balls, including a flurry of boundaries in the powerplay. The match seemed headed for an early finish until Glenn Phillips pulled off a stunning catch at cover off Santner’s bowling to dismiss Gill for 31. Four balls later, Michael Bracewell trapped Virat Kohli lbw for 1, and Rohit got stumped by Latham while being aggressive, reducing India to 122/3 in 26.1 overs.
The middle order wobbled as Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) fell to Santner and Bracewell, leaving India needing 46 of the last 7 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Enter KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, who steadied the ship with calm heads and calculated aggression. Rahul’s unbeaten 34 of 33 balls and Pandya’s 18 of 18, capped by a boundary by Jadeja of Kyle Jamieson in the 49th over, sealed the chase at 254/6 with 6 balls to spare. Santner (2/46) and Bracewell (2/28) were New Zealand’s best bowlers, but India’s depth prevailed.
Key Moments and Performances
- Rohit Sharma’s Captain’s Knock: His 76 laid the foundation, earning him the Player of the Match award.
- Spinners’ Dominance: Varun, Kuldeep, and Jadeja took 5 wickets and choked New Zealand’s scoring.
- Phillips’ Magic: His catch to dismiss Gill shifted momentum, showcasing New Zealand’s fielding prowess.
- Rahul and Jadeja’s Finish: Their unbeaten 46-run stand under pressure was the difference-maker.
What This Victory Means
India’s triumph marked their third Champions Trophy title (2002, 2013, 2025), making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history. It was their second consecutive ICC title in less than a year, following the T20 World Cup 2024 win, both achieved without a single loss. For Rohit Sharma, this victory silenced critics after a tough Australia tour earlier in the season, cementing his legacy as a captain who delivers in big finals.
New Zealand, despite the loss, showcased their consistency, reaching their third Champions Trophy final (2000, 2009, 2025). However, their wait for a second white-ball ICC title continues, adding another chapter to their tale of near-misses.
Fan Reactions and Broadcast Highlights
The Dubai International Stadium, packed with Indian supporters, erupted as Jadeja hit the winning runs. Social media buzzed with praise for Rohit’s aggression and Rahul’s composure, with hashtags like #CT2025 and #IndiaChampions trending globally. The match, broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar in India, featured a star-studded commentary panel including Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bhogle, and Ian Smith, enhancing the viewing experience.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this thrilling final, India’s focus shifts to defending their T20 crown in 2026, while New Zealand will aim to break their ICC final jinx. The Champions Trophy 2025 not only revived a beloved tournament after an eight-year hiatus but also reaffirmed cricket’s ability to deliver unforgettable drama.
