Dubai International Stadium, March 9, 2025 — India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling Champions Trophy 2025 final to lift the coveted trophy once again. Let’s break down the key moments and highlights from the intense showdown in Dubai.
📊 Match Summary: India vs New Zealand — Champions Trophy 2025 Final
- New Zealand: 248/9 in 50 overs
- India: 249/6 in 48.2 overs
- Result: India won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Shubman Gill (92 off 102 balls)
🔥 How the Final Unfolded
New Zealand’s Innings: A Fighting Total
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand got off to a steady start, but India’s bowlers kept the pressure on:
- Devon Conway (57 off 72) anchored the innings but struggled to accelerate.
- Daryl Mitchell added a crucial 48, guiding the Black Caps past the 200-run mark.
- Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers, delivering a masterclass in death bowling with figures of 3/45.
- Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with 2/41, using his variations to stifle the Kiwi middle order.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, New Zealand battled hard to post a competitive 248/9.
India’s Run Chase: Calm Under Pressure
Chasing 249, India’s innings was a rollercoaster of emotions:
- Rohit Sharma (34 off 29) gave India a brisk start but fell to Trent Boult’s clever swing bowling.
- Shubman Gill anchored the chase beautifully, scoring a composed 92 and holding the innings together.
- Virat Kohli (41 off 47) looked in fine form but was dismissed by a stunning catch from Kane Williamson.
- When Gill departed with 30 runs still needed, the tension soared.
But Hardik Pandya (28* off 17) and Ravindra Jadeja (12* off 9) kept their cool, sealing the win with 10 balls to spare — sparking wild celebrations in the Indian camp!
⭐ Key Moments of the Final
- Bumrah’s Magic Spell: His pinpoint yorkers at the death restricted New Zealand from crossing the 260-mark — a turning point in the game.
- Gill’s Grit: Shubman Gill’s calm and collected innings was the backbone of India’s chase. His partnerships with Kohli and Pandya proved crucial.
- Hardik’s Finishing Touch: When the pressure was at its peak, Hardik’s powerful strokeplay ensured India crossed the line with ease.
- Jadeja’s All-Round Impact: With key wickets and an important cameo at the end, Jadeja once again showed why he’s India’s trump card.
🏅 Player of the Tournament
Shubman Gill was named Player of the Tournament for his incredible run of form, amassing 482 runs in 7 matches at an average of 80.33 — a star in the making!
🎯 What’s Next for India and New Zealand?
- India: This win boosts their momentum ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers and solidifies their place as a dominant force in world cricket.
- New Zealand: While they fell short, the Kiwis’ fighting spirit and strong campaign will inspire them as they prepare for upcoming bilateral series and the next ICC tournament.
🚀 Final Thoughts
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph is a testament to their balanced squad, experienced core, and rising young stars like Shubman Gill. The thrilling final against New Zealand reminded us yet again why cricket is a game of fine margins and high drama.
👉 What did you think of India’s performance? Were you impressed by Gill’s brilliance or Bumrah’s magic? Drop your thoughts below! 🏏💬