India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a tense four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. The win, powered by a crucial knock from captain Rohit Sharma, reinforced India’s dominance in global cricket while once again highlighting the benefits they enjoyed throughout the tournament.
India’s Chase: Rohit Sharma Leads from the Front
Chasing 252 for victory, India got off to the perfect start with an opening partnership worth 105 runs between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Sharma, in vintage form, top-scored with 76, setting the tone for India’s pursuit. His calm demeanor and aggressive stroke play ensured that India maintained control despite losing wickets at crucial junctures.
New Zealand’s bowlers fought hard, with Matt Henry and Trent Boult leading the charge, but India’s depth in batting saw them over the line with four wickets in hand. KL Rahul played a stabilizing role, while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning runs, sealing India’s first Champions Trophy triumph in over a decade.
New Zealand’s Fight: Ravindra and Young Set the Platform
Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive 251-7, with Rachin Ravindra (37) and Will Young (15) sharing a crucial 57-run stand that steadied the innings after early setbacks. Captain Kane Williamson and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell chipped in with valuable contributions, helping New Zealand set a target that, on another day, could have proven match-winning.
However, India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, ensured that New Zealand never truly accelerated. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin in the middle overs tightened the screws, restricting the Black Caps from posting a total beyond 270, which might have put more pressure on India’s chase.
India’s Tournament Advantage and Financial Clout
While India’s victory was built on skill and execution, the Champions Trophy format once again favored them. Playing all their matches in Dubai, India avoided the grueling travel schedule that affected teams like South Africa, who endured three flights in three days before their semifinal against New Zealand.
India’s financial influence on the ICC also played a role in determining tournament logistics. With global cricket’s commercial viability heavily dependent on India, the tournament’s structure was adjusted to ensure the Indian team’s presence in Dubai throughout. This decision gave India a significant advantage, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the conditions while other teams adapted to constant travel.
A Fitting End to a Controversial Tournament
Despite the logistical debates, India’s win was a testament to their ability to perform under pressure. Rohit Sharma’s leadership, Bumrah’s consistency, and India’s batting depth proved decisive in their path to victory. New Zealand, ever the valiant contenders, fought hard but ultimately fell short in the key moments.
With this win, India added another major ICC trophy to their cabinet, cementing their status as one of cricket’s most dominant forces. However, the broader question remains—should financial considerations dictate tournament fairness? As cricket moves forward, the ICC must strike a better balance between commercial success and competitive integrity to preserve the essence of the sport.
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