Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – In a gripping finale at Dubai International Stadium, India triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets to claim their record third ICC Men’s Champions Trophy title, cementing their legacy as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s explosive 76 set the foundation for the chase, while Ravindra Jadeja fittingly sealed the victory with a boundary, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Indian contingent.
New Zealand’s Innings: Spin Strangle Derails Progress
Opting to bat first, New Zealand began confidently with openers Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37) stitching a 57-run stand. However, India’s spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav triggered a collapse, reducing the Kiwis to 75/3 by the 13th over. Kuldeep’s googly dismantled Ravindra’s stumps, while Chakravarthy trapped Young lbw. Captain Kane Williamson (7) fell cheaply, chipping a return catch to Kuldeep.
Daryl Mitchell (63) and Glenn Phillips (34) stabilized the innings with a 52-run partnership, but Chakravarthy’s second spell removed Phillips. Michael Bracewell’s blistering 53* off 39 balls, including a six-filled assault, propelled New Zealand to 251/7. Despite late fireworks, the total felt subpar on a batting-friendly surface.
India’s Chase: Rohit’s Blitz and Late Drama
Rohit Sharma launched India’s reply with ferocity, smashing 21 runs off Nathan Smith’s first two overs. His 76 off 68 balls, studded with six boundaries and three sixes, anchored a 100-run opening stand with Shubman Gill (31). Gill’s dismissal, courtesy of a sensational one-handed catch by Phillips off Mitchell Santner, sparked a mini-collapse as Virat Kohli (1) fell lbw to Michael Bracewell.
Rohit’s departure via stumping off Rachin Ravindra at 132/3 injected tension, but Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership. Late wickets of Iyer and Axar left India at 203/5, but Hardik Pandya’s 18-run cameo, including a crucial six, and KL Rahul’s composed 34* guided the team home. Jadeja’s calm nine* off seven balls sealed the win with an over to spare.
Post-Match Reflections
Rohit Sharma hailed his team’s resilience: “The bowlers set it up, and the batters finished the job. This trophy is for the nation.” New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner rued missed opportunities but praised Bracewell’s efforts.
India’s unbeaten campaign, blending spin mastery and batting depth, adds a third Champions Trophy to their 2002 and 2013 triumphs. For New Zealand, the wait for an ICC limited-overs title continues, but their fighting spirit ensured a classic finale.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 251/7 in 50 overs (Mitchell 63, Bracewell 53*; Kuldeep 2/40)
India: 254/6 in 49 overs (Rohit 76, Iyer 48; Bracewell 2/28)
*Result*: India won by 4 wickets.
