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India lift Champions Trophy 2025 with thrilling 4-wicket win over New Zealand
Skipper Rohit Sharma's blistering 76 and cameos from Gill and Iyer, helped the Men in Blue lift the cup for the third time
- PUBLISHED: Sun 9 Mar 2025, 8:18 PM
India clinched the Champions Trophy for the third time, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 252, captain Rohit Sharma got off to a blistering start, scoring 76 off 83 balls. The top-scorer also bagged the player of the match award.
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Sharma’s opening partner, Shubman Gill, contributed 31 off 50 before being sent back to the pavilion by a stunning catch from Glenn Phillips at extra cover. Virat Kohli fell cheaply, but Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and KL Rahul played crucial cameos, guiding India to victory.
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Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Kiwis fought back the attack by Indian spinners to post a fighting 251 for seven. Daryl Mitchell made 63 and Michael Bracewell contributed an unbeaten 53 down the order to help New Zealand post a competitive 251-7 after electing to bat.
Rachin Ravindra, who scored 263 runs during the two-and-a-half-week tournament, was adjudged the Player of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
India's four-pronged spin attack kept the run rate in check but they did not get enough support from the fielders, who dropped four catches.
India nearly squandered a strong start but KL Rahul chipped in with an unbeaten 34 down the order to help them complete a successful chase. This victory marks India's third Champions Trophy title, adding to their previous wins in 2002 and 2013.