DUBAI: Rohit Sharma delivered a fiery 76-run knock to guide India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy Final on Sunday. The match was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where India lifted their record third title. A strong spin bowling performance laid the foundation for India’s win in this gripping final clash.
The Blue Shirts remained unbeaten throughout the eight-nation tournament, which was played across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Taking full advantage of their “home-like” crowd and overwhelming fan support, India chased down the 252-run target with six balls to spare in the Champions Trophy Final.
India first restricted New Zealand to 251 for 7. Then they launched a fiery start with the bat. Captain Rohit Sharma was in sublime form and hit a six off Jamieson’s second delivery of the over. His fellow opener, Shubman Gill, got lucky early. Daryl Mitchell dropped a simple catch at mid-wicket when Gill was on just 6.
Sharma raced to his half-century in 41 balls. The opening stand ended at 105 runs. Soon after, two quick wickets fell within 17 runs. Still, the Indian captain held strong, hammering 76 runs from 83 balls. His innings included seven fours and three towering sixes.
Gill managed 31 before falling to a stunning extra-cover catch by Glenn Phillips off Mitchell Santner. Virat Kohli failed to impress and got out for just 1, bowled by Michael Bracewell. But Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel rebuilt the innings with a steady 61-run stand.
Iyer was caught at short fine leg by Rachin Ravindra off Santner, two runs shy of a fifty. Axar Patel, after scoring 29, lofted one straight to Will O’Rourke off Bracewell’s bowling. With half the Indian team back in the dressing room at 203, pressure was rising in the Champions Trophy Final.
India still needed 49 runs in 8.3 overs. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34. Hardik Pandya chipped in with 18, and Ravindra Jadeja added 9 not out to steer India past the finish line. They reached the target with four wickets in hand and six balls remaining.
From New Zealand’s side, Santner and Bracewell grabbed two wickets each. Jamieson and Ravindra picked one scalp apiece in the Champions Trophy Final.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. However, their decision didn’t bring the desired results. The batting side struggled despite contrasting half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell.
The Black Caps started well. Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra added a quick 57-run partnership. Ravindra was aggressive, smashing Pandya for 16 runs in an over, with two fours and a six. He was dropped on 28, but his innings ended at 39. India quickly grabbed three wickets within 18 runs. New Zealand slumped to 75 for 3 in just over 12 overs.
Mitchell and Tom Latham added 33 runs to bring some stability. Latham departed after scoring 14. Mitchell and Phillips (34) then slowed down the pace. There were no boundaries for 81 straight deliveries.
Mitchell and Bracewell helped New Zealand cross the 200-run mark with a 46-run partnership. Mitchell was eventually dismissed by Mohammad Shami after making 63 off 101 balls, with three fours. Bracewell then accelerated. He remained unbeaten on 53 off 40 balls, smashing three boundaries and two sixes.
India’s bowlers shone again in the Champions Trophy Final. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each. Jadeja also picked one. India relied heavily on spin, playing four spinners in their last three matches—a tactic that proved vital in their dominance.
“It feels fantastic,” said Sharma after lifting the trophy. “We played quality cricket throughout the tournament. It’s a great feeling to win this final.”
Virat Kohli praised the young squad. “It’s lovely to play alongside such amazing talent. They’ve stepped up and taken India in the right direction,” he said. “When you leave, you want to leave the team in a stronger position. Gill, Shreyas, and Rahul have all played key roles.”
New Zealand missed Matt Henry, their key pacer, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy Final due to a shoulder injury.
Santner, reflecting on the tournament, said, “It’s been a good journey. We were tested throughout. But India played better today and deserved the win.”
