Indian captain Rohit Sharma led from the front as his team secured a nail-biting four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday. In pursuit of 252 runs, India reached the target in 49 overs, overcoming some late pressure. Rohit’s crucial innings of 76 runs from 83 balls set a strong foundation for India’s chase, even as New Zealand fought back with wickets at regular intervals. Despite the tense finish, India held their composure to win the match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rohit Sharma was awarded Player of the Match for his performance.
Following the victory, captain Rohit Sharma thanked the fans for their incredible support, acknowledging that India was playing away from their home ground. All of India’s matches in the tournament were held at the Dubai International Stadium because of the team’s decision not to tour Pakistan, the host nation, due to ongoing political tensions.
Rohit Sharma commented after the game, expressing his appreciation: “I want to thank everyone who came and supported us. The crowd here was amazing; it wasn’t our home ground, but they made it feel like one. It was satisfying to give this win to the large number of people who came to watch us play.”
Rohit’s solid 76 runs, combined with an effective spin bowling performance, were key factors in India’s victory over New Zealand, securing them a record third Champions Trophy title.
After being set a target of 252, India began their chase aggressively, powered by their captain’s first half-century of the tournament. Later, KL Rahul contributed an unbeaten 34 runs, guiding India to victory with six balls remaining in the Dubai final.
This win adds to India’s previous Champions Trophy titles in 2002 and 2013, now surpassing Australia, who have won two titles.
India, the top-ranked ODI team globally, remained undefeated throughout the eight-nation tournament, which was co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
On a slow pitch in Dubai, New Zealand’s spin bowlers put pressure on India, reducing them to 203-5 after the dismissals of Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who scored 48.
However, KL Rahul remained composed and, along with Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning boundary, steered the team to victory amidst loud cheers from the predominantly Indian crowd dressed in blue.
