Cricket Highlights, March 09: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Final Match) – NZ vs IND

NZ vs IND (Final Match) – Highlights

India emerged victorious in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 252 under lights, IND showcased a composed batting effort led by Captain Rohit Sharma, who was named Player of the Match for his crucial 76 off 83 balls.

NZ, after opting to bat first, posted a competitive 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings began with promise as Rachin Ravindra provided a brisk start, scoring 37 off 29 balls with a strike rate of 127.58. However, India struck back swiftly, with Kuldeep Yadav dismissing both Ravindra and Mitchell Santner in quick succession to reduce New Zealand to 75/3. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a resilient 63 off 101 deliveries, but his cautious approach kept the scoring rate under check.

The innings found late momentum through Michael Bracewell, who played a sensational knock of 53* off 40 balls. His counterattack ensured New Zealand crossed the 250-run mark, with Mitchell Santner chipping in with a useful 8 before being run out. India’s bowling was led by the spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, who kept the pressure on with disciplined spells. Kuldeep finished with 2/40, while Chakravarthy also claimed two wickets, conceding just 45 runs in his 10 overs. Jadeja, with an economical 1/30, played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand’s middle order.

In response, IND started confidently, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting up a solid opening partnership of 105 runs. Gill, though restrained, contributed a valuable 31 before falling to Mitchell Santner. A rare failure from Virat Kohli followed, as he was dismissed lbw by Bracewell for just one run. However, Rohit steadied the innings, playing with characteristic aggression, striking seven boundaries and three sixes before being stumped off Rachin Ravindra’s bowling.

Shreyas Iyer then stepped up, adding a crucial 48 off 62 deliveries, while Axar Patel contributed a handy 29. As the chase neared its climax, KL Rahul held his nerve, remaining unbeaten on 34 off 33 balls, steering India home with an over to spare. Hardik Pandya played a quick cameo of 18 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja applied the finishing touch with a six-ball nine.

NZ bowlers put up a spirited fight, with Michael Bracewell leading the attack, picking up two wickets for just 28 runs in his 10-over spell. Santner also bagged two scalps, while Jamieson and Ravindra chipped in with one wicket each. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent India from securing their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

The victory marked another milestone for Indian cricket, with Rohit Sharma’s leadership proving instrumental in guiding his team to the title. The disciplined bowling performance and well-paced batting display highlighted India’s all-round strength in pressure situations. New Zealand, despite their valiant effort, fell short, leaving them with yet another heartbreak in an ICC final.

New Zealand vs India Scoreboard

New Zealand – 251/7 (50)

India – 254/6 (49/50)

Result – India won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Rohit Sharma

NZ vs IND Playing XIs

New Zealand

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke.

India

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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