On March 9, 2025, the cricketing world witnessed a spectacular showdown at the Dubai International Stadium as India emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final match against New Zealand. In a nail-biting finish, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets, securing their third Champions Trophy title and cementing their dominance in white-ball cricket. This victory marks India as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having previously won in 2002 (jointly with Sri Lanka) and 2013.
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A Recap of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final Match
The final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a classic encounter between two cricketing powerhouses. New Zealand, led by captain Mitchell Santner, won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that favored spinners. The Black Caps posted a competitive total of 251/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to gritty half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53). India’s spinners shone brightly, with Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) leading the charge to restrict New Zealand’s scoring.
In response, India’s chase began with a solid foundation laid by captain Rohit Sharma, who scored a brilliant 76, and Shubman Gill, contributing 31. However, the game turned dramatic as New Zealand fought back with quick wickets, including Virat Kohli’s dismissal for just 1. At one point, India were reeling at 108/2, but Shreyas Iyer’s composed 48 and KL Rahul’s unbeaten 34 steadied the ship. The match reached its climax with Ravindra Jadeja hitting the winning runs—a boundary off William O’Rourke in the 49th over—sparking wild celebrations among Indian fans at the Dubai International Stadium and beyond.
India’s Road to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Title
India entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the favorites, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. Their journey included a commanding group-stage win over New Zealand by 44 runs, a victory that set the tone for their campaign. In the semi-finals, India overcame a strong Australian side by four wickets, showcasing their all-round prowess. The final match victory against New Zealand on March 9, 2025, was a testament to their consistency, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure.
Key Performances in the Final Match
- Rohit Sharma (76): The Indian captain led from the front with an aggressive half-century, earning him the Player of the Match award.
- Shreyas Iyer (48): His crucial knock provided stability when India lost quick wickets.
- KL Rahul (34):* Rahul’s calm and composed batting ensured India crossed the finish line.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Apart from hitting the winning runs, Jadeja’s all-round contribution, including a wicket, was vital.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy: The spin duo’s disciplined bowling kept New Zealand in check.
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell stood out with the bat, while Rachin Ravindra’s Player of the Tournament award (for his consistent performances throughout the event) highlighted his emergence as a star.
Why the Dubai International Stadium Was the Perfect Stage
The Dubai International Stadium proved to be an ideal venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final match. Known for its balanced pitches, the ground offered assistance to spinners, making it a tactical battle between the two sides. India’s familiarity with the conditions—all their matches were played in Dubai due to security concerns over traveling to Pakistan—gave them a slight edge. The electric atmosphere, with a roaring crowd dominated by Indian supporters, turned the stadium into a fortress for the Men in Blue.
India’s Historic Triumph
This victory adds another feather to India’s cap in ICC tournaments. Having won the T20 World Cup in 2024, this back-to-back triumph in 2025 underlines their supremacy in limited-overs cricket. The win also ends an eight-year wait for a new Champions Trophy winner since Pakistan’s triumph in 2017. For captain Rohit Sharma, it’s a personal milestone, as he became the first Indian skipper to win two ICC titles.
Celebrations and Reactions
The Dubai sky lit up with fireworks as India lifted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy. Players like Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh celebrated with dance moves, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli performed an impromptu dandiya with stumps, delighting fans. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, tweeting, “Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament.”
Looking Ahead
India’s triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sets the stage for an exciting future in international cricket. With a blend of seasoned stars like Kohli and Sharma and young talents like Gill and Rahul, the team looks poised for more glory. For New Zealand, despite the loss, their spirited campaign reinforces their reputation as a resilient side in ICC events.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final match will be remembered as a classic, showcasing the best of ODI cricket. India, the deserving winners, have once again proven why they are a force to be reckoned with in world cricket.
Top 20 FAQs About ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Who won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
India won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final.
- Where was the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final match played?
The final was held at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9, 2025.
- What was the score in the India vs New Zealand final?
New Zealand scored 251/7 in 50 overs, while India chased it down with 254/6 in 49 overs.
- Who was the Player of the Match in the final?
Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match for his 76-run knock.
- Who received the Player of the Tournament award?
Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand was named Player of the Tournament.
- How many times has India won the Champions Trophy?
India has won the Champions Trophy three times: 2002 (jointly), 2013, and 2025.
- What was the target set by New Zealand in the final?
New Zealand set a target of 252 runs for India.
- Who hit the winning runs for India?
Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning boundary in the 49th over.
- Which Indian bowlers performed well in the final?
Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) were the standout bowlers.
- Who were New Zealand’s top scorers in the final?
Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53) were the top scorers.
- Why was the final played in Dubai instead of Pakistan?
India’s matches, including the final, were shifted to Dubai due to security concerns over traveling to Pakistan.
- What was the toss result in the final match?
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first.
- How did India qualify for the final?
India remained unbeaten, topping Group A and defeating Australia in the semi-final.
- When did the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament begin?
The tournament started on February 19, 2025.
- Which teams were in India’s group?
India was in Group A with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
- Where can I watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final highlights?
Highlights are available on Star Sports, JioCinema, and the official ICC website.
- What was the key turning point in the final match?
New Zealand’s quick wickets, including Kohli’s dismissal, shifted momentum, but Rahul and Jadeja’s partnership sealed the win.
- How did the Dubai pitch affect the game?
The pitch assisted spinners, making it a low-scoring affair favoring India’s spin attack.
- Who captained India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Rohit Sharma led the Indian team to victory.
- What’s next for India after winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
India will aim to maintain their dominance in upcoming bilateral series and future ICC events.
