# India Triumphs in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final Against New Zealand
**Dubai, March 9, 2025** – India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title in a thrilling final against New Zealand, winning by 6 wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This victory marked India’s third Champions Trophy win, solidifying their dominance in ODI cricket.
### Match Overview: India vs. New Zealand
New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, won the toss and elected to bat, aiming to set a challenging target on a batsman-friendly pitch. Openers Devon Conway and Finn Allen started strongly, reaching 79/0 by the 13th over. However, India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, triggered a collapse. Shami dismissed Allen, while Kuldeep removed Conway. Williamson’s gritty 73 anchored the innings, but regular wickets from spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell’s late 42 off 30 balls provided a crucial boost.
### India’s Chase: Kohli and Pandya Shine
Chasing 252, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill mirrored New Zealand’s start, racing to 79/0. Rohit’s aggressive 47 set the tone, but New Zealand’s spinners, led by Mitchell Santner, struck back, dismissing both openers. Virat Kohli, in a potentially career-defining knock, scored a composed 62, partnering with Shreyas Iyer (45) to steady the innings. With 40 runs needed off 44 balls, Hardik Pandya’s explosive 28 off 24 balls, including a towering six, turned the tide. KL Rahul sealed the chase with a match-defining six, guiding India to 254/4 with 4 balls to spare.
### Key Performances
- **Mohammed Shami**: Shami’s 3/48, including Allen’s wicket, disrupted New Zealand’s momentum.
- **Virat Kohli**: Kohli’s 62 was pivotal, showcasing his mastery in high-pressure chases.
- **Hardik Pandya**: Pandya’s late heroics ensured India’s victory.
- **Kane Williamson**: Williamson’s 73 was a masterclass, though his dismissal shifted momentum.
- **Mitchell Santner**: Santner’s 2/45 briefly revived New Zealand’s hopes.
### Turning Points
The match hinged on Kuldeep’s dismissal of Conway, breaking New Zealand’s opening stand, and Pandya’s aggressive batting in the death overs, which neutralized New Zealand’s bowling attack. Kohli’s partnerships with Iyer and Pandya were decisive in navigating India through tense moments.
### Significance and Context
India’s victory under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy silenced critics and added to their illustrious Champions Trophy legacy (2002, 2013). For New Zealand, the loss extended their streak of ICC final heartbreaks. The tournament, co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, saw India play all matches in Dubai due to political tensions, sparking debates over fairness. Despite challenges, the event highlighted cricket’s global appeal.
### Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be remembered as a classic, blending skill, drama, and resilience. As Rohit lifted the trophy, India celebrated a triumph that reaffirmed their ODI prowess, setting the stage for future cricketing battles.