India vs New Zealand highlights, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India beat New Zealand by four wickets to clinch third Champions Trophy title

Rohit Sharma led from the front with a crucial 76, complementing a stellar spin bowling performance, as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to secure a record third Champions Trophy title on Sunday.

Chasing 252 for victory, India got off to a blazing start courtesy of their skipper’s first half-century of the tournament. KL Rahul then held his nerve with an unbeaten 34, guiding India home with six balls to spare in the final at Dubai.

This triumph adds to India’s Champions Trophy wins in 2002 and 2013, making them the only team to win the tournament three times—surpassing Australia’s two titles.

As the world’s top-ranked ODI side, India remained unbeaten throughout the eight-nation tournament, which was played across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

On a sluggish Dubai pitch that favored spin, India’s bowlers applied pressure to keep New Zealand in check. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav bagged two wickets each, restricting the Black Caps to 251/7 after they elected to bat first.

Daryl Mitchell’s steady 63 and a late flourish from Michael Bracewell (53* off 40 balls) helped New Zealand post a competitive total, but the absence of lead pacer Matt Henry—ruled out due to a shoulder injury—proved costly. To add to their woes, Kane Williamson, who managed just 11 with the bat, was unable to take the field due to a quad strain.

India’s chase began with Rohit taking on the pace attack, smashing regular boundaries, including a six and two fours in one over off Nathan Smith. The captain reached his fifty in just 41 balls, putting India firmly in control.

New Zealand’s spinners then fought back. Glenn Phillips produced a sensational diving catch at extra cover to dismiss Shubman Gill (31) off Mitchell Santner’s bowling.

Michael Bracewell struck in the very next over, trapping Virat Kohli lbw for just one, shifting the momentum in New Zealand’s favor as runs became hard to come by.

Rohit, after playing out a maiden over from Bracewell, tried to break free but was stumped by Tom Latham off Rachin Ravindra, leaving India at 122/3 after a solid 105-run opening stand.

Shreyas Iyer (48) steadied the chase, surviving a dropped catch by Kyle Jamieson before eventually falling to Santner. India lost Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya in quick succession, but Rahul remained composed, anchoring the innings.

With Ravindra Jadeja at the other end, Rahul guided India to victory, with Jadeja hitting the winning boundary to trigger celebrations in a stadium packed with Indian supporters.

India’s strategic decision to play four spinners in their last three matches proved decisive, reinforcing their dominance on the Dubai surface.

With this triumph, India cemented their legacy as the most successful team in Champions Trophy history, winning the prestigious title without losing a single match.

In a delightful post-match moment, Indian cricketing stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lit up the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with their 'Dandiya' steps.

After India’s thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, the two Indian icons celebrated in style — by performing an impromptu Dandiya dance, using the match stumps as their sticks.

Smiling from ear to ear, Kohli and Rohit twirled their stumps, recreating the vibrant Gujarati folk dance, much to the amusement of teammates and fans alike.

The playful celebration symbolised not just a major trophy win, but also a heartfelt camaraderie at the end of a historic night.

"It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and wanted to win a big tournament, so to win the Champions Trophy is amazing. So much talent in the dressing room, they're trying to take their game further and we're just happy to be of help (role of the seniors), sharing our experience and that's what makes this Indian team so strong," said Kohli after his second Champions Trophy title.

"It is very nice. We played some really good cricket through the tournament, to come out and have the result our way is a great feeling, very happy with how we played this game. It is not natural to me but it is something I really wanted to do, when you are trying something different you need the backing of the team and they were with me, Rahul bhai in the 2023 World Cup and now with Gauti bhai," Skipper Rohit, who was also awarded the Man of the Match, said in the post-match presentation.

Earlier, India chased down 252, with captain Rohit leading from the front with a fluent 76 off 83 balls, setting the tone.

KL Rahul remained calm under pressure, finishing unbeaten on 34, guiding India to 254/6 in 49 overs and sealing their third Champions Trophy title.

New Zealand had earlier posted a competitive 251/7, powered by gritty half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53).

Despite a brisk start, the Black Caps were pulled back by India’s spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, on a dry, turning pitch.

This victory comes just a year after India lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup, further solidifying their dominance in white-ball cricket.

All of India’s matches in this tournament were played in Dubai, with the team not traveling to host nation Pakistan due to government-imposed security concerns.

India continued their dominant run in ICC tournaments, defeating New Zealand by four wickets to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With this victory, India ended their long wait for an ICC ODI title, their first since the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph under MS Dhoni.

This marks India's third Champions Trophy title, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history, having previously won in 2002 and 2013. The win follows India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024, underlining their resurgence in global cricket.

India also avenged their defeat to New Zealand in the 2000 Champions Trophy final, which remains the Kiwis’ only ICC limited-overs title.

The latest triumph adds another feather to India’s ICC trophy cabinet, which now boasts two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups, and three Champions Trophy titles, reaffirming their status as one of the world's most successful cricketing nations.

Rohit Sharma leads from the front

Chasing 252, India reached the target with an over to spare, as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning boundary off William O'Rourke in the penultimate over. Captain Rohit Sharma led the chase with a composed 76 off 83 balls, forging a 105-run opening stand with Shubman Gill (31 off 50).

New Zealand fought back with their spinners, as Mitchell Santner (2/46), Michael Bracewell (2/28), and Rachin Ravindra (1/47) applied pressure with timely wickets. However, Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62) and Axar Patel (29 off 40) steadied India's innings after a brief collapse. KL Rahul (34 not out) and Hardik Pandya (18) then played vital cameos to guide India over the line.

New Zealand’s fight with the bat

Earlier, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell struck crucial half-centuries to propel New Zealand to a competitive total of 251/7.

Opting to bat first, the Kiwis started well, with Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) and Will Young (15 off 23) adding 57 runs for the first wicket. However, India's spinners wrested control, as Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) dismantled the middle order.

Kuldeep struck immediately, dismissing Ravindra and later removing Kane Williamson (11). Varun provided the early breakthrough by trapping Young LBW before sending back Glenn Phillips (34). At 165/5 in the 38th over, New Zealand was in trouble. Mitchell’s patient 63 off 101 balls and Bracewell’s counter-attacking 53 not out off 40 helped their team recover. Their 46-run stand for the sixth wicket added stability, with Bracewell’s late blitz of two sixes and three fours pushing the total past 250.

A long wait ends for India, another begins for New Zealand

While India celebrated an end to their 12-year wait for an ODI trophy, New Zealand’s search for an elusive ODI title continues. Their last ICC final triumph came in the 2021 World Test Championship.

With this latest triumph, India’s dominance in world cricket is firmly re-established. Having won two ICC titles in under a year, they now set their sights on defending their T20 World Cup crown in 2026 and adding to their rich legacy.

The moment Ravindra Jadeja made connection he knew it was done. The left-hander was so excited after hitting the winning runs that he ran into New Zealand seamer William O'Rourke. But nobody was complaining.

KL Rahul, with another ice-cool hand under pressure, raised his arms and started the celebration. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh were the first ones to sprint to the middle and were followed by Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar as the senior players celebrated with head coach Gautam Gambhir right outside the change room.

The fireworks began, players draped in the tri-colour, the crowd grooved to the tunes of "Lehra do" and "Chak de India" as unbeaten India finished the job with an over to spare in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. It wasn't a stiff target, 252 runs, but the sluggish surface meant there were just enough ups and downs.

There was drama in store during the half-way stage of the chase as after two tight overs, Rohit Sharma decided to jump out of his crease against Rachin Ravindra in the 27th over but made a huge mess and was stumped for a 83-ball 76. The crowd, which had found its voice thanks to the opener's blazing start, was reduced to pin-drop silence as he dragged himself back to the change room.

For most of that walk, his head remained down and the thousands in the stands couldn't believe what they just saw. India were reduced to 122/3, from a comfortable 105/0 and the quick wickets brought New Zealand back in the game, thanks to familiar approach - the spin choke.

India were blazing away during their pursuit of the 252-run target and Rohit walked the intent talk as he went after everything from word go. There hops out of the crease to manufacture strokes, a neat pickup, exquisite cover-drive and some delightful strokes during the half-century which set the tone for the chase. His partner Shubman Gill was happy to play the waiting game from the other end as Rohit continued to farm most of the strike, and score bulk of the runs at a brisk pace.

It had been the approach which he has been following for the last two years now but Sunday's final was the rare occasion where he shifted gears and looked to bat when the run-making was difficult vs spin. The likes of Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra sucked momentum out of the Indian innings but enough depth in batting featuring quality players of spin ensured there was no late drama in store.

When Shreyas Iyer combined with Axar Patel, the two put on vital 61 runs, and upped the run-scoring tempo. Iyer, in particular, took his chances versus spin and even hit a gigantic six before he got a life on the next delivery.

Run-making wasn't easy but Iyer took calculated chances in the second half of his 62-ball 48 before Ravindra took a sharp catch to send India's middle-order rock back to the hut.

There were still 69 to get but enough wickets in hands allowed the lower order to control the chase and Rahul played another fluent hand to finish the job. The Men in Blue crossed the line with four wickets in hand, get their hands on the white blazers and their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

Skipper Rohit Sharma led by example with a brilliant half-century as a determined India held their nerve to secure an unprecedented third Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final on Sunday.

Bowling first after Rohit endured his 12th consecutive toss loss, India’s spinners put on a masterclass, restricting New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) were instrumental in applying the brakes on the Kiwi batting lineup.

Chasing 252, India got over the line with six balls to spare, thanks to key contributions from Rohit (76 off 83) and Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62).

For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101), Michael Bracewell (53* off 40), and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) were the standout performers with the bat.

India faced a few tense moments in the chase, especially after being comfortably placed at 183/3 in the 38th over. However, KL Rahul (34* off 33) displayed remarkable composure to guide the team home, supported by a quickfire 18 from Hardik Pandya.

With this victory, India completed a flawless campaign, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament—a testament to their dominance.

Having previously won the Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013, India now stand alone as the only team to lift the prestigious title three times.

• New Zealand maintains tight control over the scoring.
• Iyer finds a boundary off Phillips to ease the pressure.
• The required run rate climbs past six runs per over.
• Iyer smashes a six to bring up a 50-run partnership.
• A lucky escape for Iyer as Jamieson drops him on 44 off Phillips.
• Axar gets his first boundary, driving O'Rourke for four.
• Santner provides the breakthrough, dismissing Iyer for 48.

• Iyer gets off the mark with a boundary off Santner.
• New Zealand spinners tighten the grip on India's scoring.
• Bracewell delivers a maiden over to Iyer in the 26th.
• Ravindra strikes big, dismissing Rohit (76) via stumping.
• Consecutive maiden overs put India under pressure.
• Young nearly pulls off a stunning catch, but Iyer survives with a six.

New Zealand spinners pulled themselves back in the hunt in the ICC Champions Trophy final, removing Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for 17 runs to halt India’s strong start at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 252 for a record third title, India had been cruising thanks to a 105-run opening partnership between captain Rohit Sharma (76 off 83) and Gill (31 off 50). This was only the third century opening stand in a Champions Trophy final, putting India firmly in the driver’s seat.

Century opening stands in Champions Trophy finals
141 - Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar (IND) vs NZ, Nairobi, 2000
128 - Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman (PAK) vs IND, The Oval, 2017
105 - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (IND) vs NZ, Dubai, 2025

However, New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner provided the breakthrough in the 19th over, dismissing Gill with the help of a breathtaking catch by Glenn Phillips at cover. Phillips pulled off an acrobatic one-handed stunner, leaping high to pluck the ball out of the air just as it seemed destined for the boundary.

The very next over saw Michael Bracewell strike a decisive blow, trapping Virat Kohli LBW for two-ball 1. Kohli reviewed the decision, but the ball-tracking confirmed it was plumb in front, stunning the Dubai crowd into silence.

After squeezing the run flow, Rachin Ravindra then ended India skipper innings in the 27th over as Rohit was out stumped while trying to break the shackles. From 105/0 in 18.3 overs, India were reduced to 122/3 in 26.1 overs, giving New Zealand a chance to make a comeback in the contest.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 251/7, thanks to crucial half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Bracewell (53 off 40). India’s spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40), controlled the middle overs, but Bracewell’s late surge ensured the Kiwis set a competitive target.

With three quick wickets, New Zealand have clawed back into the contest. India though have a good batting depth, so the Kiwis will need more wickets soon to go on top.