ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: A Riveting Contest Between India and New Zealand

In a thrilling climax to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held at the spectacular Dubai International Stadium, cricket fans worldwide were treated to an exhilarating match between two formidable teams – India and New Zealand. The final, etched in the annals of cricket history, kicked off with high anticipation and did not disappoint, delivering an engrossing contest of skill, strategy, and intense sportsmanship.

#### The Build-Up

The enthusiasm surrounding the final was palpable, as both teams had demonstrated exceptional form throughout the tournament. With New Zealand winning the toss, the conditions on the Dubai pitch seemed ideal for batting, prompting their decision to take first strike. However, the anticipation of a high-scoring game was quickly dashed as India’s bowlers, adept in exploiting spin-friendly conditions, delivered a masterclass in disciplined bowling.

#### New Zealand’s Innings: A Tale of Challenge and Resilience

New Zealand’s innings began with a cautious approach by openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra. Yet, the Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Mohammed Shami and supported by spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, kept the Kiwi batsmen on a tight leash. Early breakthroughs were pivotal, as Chakaravarthy sent Young back to the pavilion with a precise delivery, while Kuldeep mesmerized Ravindra with a deceptive googly that rattled his stumps.

Captain Kane Williamson’s dismissal shortly after by Kuldeep turned the pressure up several notches on the Kiwi side. A mini-collapse saw the Kiwis falter at 75/3, shifting the balance momentarily in India’s favor.

#### Middle-Order Comebacks and Late Flourishes

Despite losing early wickets, New Zealand tried stabilizing their innings through the experienced Tom Latham and the indomitable Glenn Phillips. However, with Ravindra Jadeja’s LBW appeal successfully downing Latham, New Zealand found themselves struggling at 108/4.

The middle-order rally led by Daryl Mitchell added valuable runs, but his dismissal by Shami in a steepling catch by Rohit Sharma was a setback. As the innings drew to a close, a gallant effort by the lower order, including Bracewell and Santner’s contributions, pushed New Zealand to a total of 251/7.

#### India’s Response: Steadying Ship with Sharma’s Brilliance

Chasing a modest target of 252, India adopted a methodical approach. Rohit Sharma, calm yet assertive, paved the way with a half-century that combined patience with precision. The fall of wicketkeeper-batsman Shubman Gill to Santner’s cunning delivery posed an early challenge, but Sharma’s stability added much-needed backbone to the innings.

The match saw a dramatic turn as cricket superstar Virat Kohli departed for a solitary run, trapped LBW by Bracewell’s impeccable delivery. Sharma, in a bold stride, attempted to accelerate the innings, culminating in his stumping, which briefly swung momentum back towards New Zealand.

#### A Mid-Innings Pulse and Jadeja’s Composure

As the required rate began climbing, the spotlight turned to India’s middle order, which showed resilience amidst adversity. Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply, but the expertness of KL Rahul at the crease ensured that India’s chase remained on track despite Axar Patel’s dismissal at a crucial stage.

The hallmark of the innings was the composed demeanor of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who, alongside Rahul, marshaled the chase with an assertive yet pragmatic approach. Together, they meticulously chipped away at the target, exuding finesse and poise under mounting pressure.

#### The Final Stretch

As tension levels crescendoed, Hardik Pandya’s departure, caught and bowled by Jamieson, set the stage for a gripping finale. Yet, with Rahul and Jadeja guiding the ship, India approached the target with tactical precision, and eventually sealed victory at 254/6 with an over to spare, clinching their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

#### Conclusion: A Showcase of Competitive Spirit

The India vs New Zealand final encapsulated the quintessence of cricket as a sport, characterized by strategic play, individual brilliance, and collective resolve. Despite the lower-than-expected runs tally, the match engaged spectators from start to finish, proving that cricket’s charm lies in its unpredictability and drama.

India’s triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final adds another illustrious chapter to their storied cricketing legacy, while New Zealand, with their ever-tenacious spirit, stood their ground gallantly, cementing the tournament’s place as a classic showdown in cricketing lore.