India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, becoming the most successful team in the tournament’s history with their third title. Chasing 252, they reached the target in 49 overs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With the win, India also bagged their third title to become the most successful team in the ICC Champions Trophy history. They were joint-winners with hosts Sri Lanka in 2002 and beat England in Birmingham for their second title in 2013.
Asked to field first after India lost the coin toss for a record-extending 15th time, India restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy were instrumental in keeping the Black Caps in check, despite Daryl Mitchell’s resilient 63 off 101 balls.
Rohit Sharma led the chase with a crucial 76 off 83 balls, setting a strong foundation alongside Shubman Gill. Though New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Michael Bracewell (2/28), fought back to take the game deep, India held firm to cross the finish line with six balls to spare. Glenn Phillips provided a moment of brilliance in the field, dismissing Gill with a stunning leaping catch at cover.
Player of the Tournament
Rachin Ravindra was named the Player of the Tournament in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The New Zealand opener amassed 263 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 68.75 and a strike rate exceeding 106. His highest score of 112 came against Bangladesh.
During the tournament, the 25-year-old set a new record for most centuries by a New Zealand player in ICC events, reaching four. In his 32-match ODI career, he has accumulated 1,196 runs, with a top score of 123 not out.
Leading Run-Scorer
Ravindra finished as the tournament’s highest run-getter with 263 runs. He scored 37 in the final, keeping Indian batters Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli from surpassing him. Despite England’s early exit, Ben Duckett and Joe Root secured third and fourth spots on the run-scoring charts.
Top Wicket-Taker
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps. However, a shoulder injury in the semifinal against South Africa kept him out of the final against India.
India’s Varun Chakaravarthy and Mohammed Shami followed closely, claiming nine wickets each to take the second and third spots, respectively.
Rohit Sharma Dismisses ODI Retirement Rumors
India captain Rohit Sharma put an end to speculation about his ODI future after leading his team to their third Champions Trophy title.
“I am not going to retire from this (ODI) format. Going forward, please don’t spread rumours,” Rohit clarified in the post-match press conference.
His statement came after he had retired from T20Is following India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, fueling speculation that he might take a similar decision post-Champions Trophy.