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A night of glory, resilience, and redemption. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India etched their name in history, securing an unprecedented third ICC Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket triumph over New Zealand in a tense final on Sunday (March 9).
Rohit, the architect of India’s chase, led from the front with a masterful 76 off 83 balls, setting the foundation for India’s flawless title run. Alongside him, Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62) played a crucial hand as the Men in Blue overcame moments of adversity to chase down 252 with six balls to spare.
Spin dominance sets up India's victory
After losing his 12th consecutive toss, Rohit’s team was put to the test early as New Zealand opted to bat. But India’s spinners seized control, restricting the Blackcaps to 251 for 7 in 50 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) weaved their magic, dismantling the Kiwi top order and stifling the run flow.
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Despite valiant efforts from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls), Michael Bracewell (53 not out off 40 balls), and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29 balls), New Zealand struggled to accelerate. The late flourish from Bracewell pushed them past 250, but it never felt enough against a side brimming with confidence.
Nerves, fight, and a champion’s finish
India’s chase began in emphatic fashion, Rohit once again leading the charge with an authoritative knock. But just when victory seemed inevitable at 183 for 3, a sudden double blow sent jitters through the Indian camp.
Enter KL Rahul. With 34 unbeaten runs off 33 balls, he showcased his calm and composure, steering India home even as New Zealand threatened to script a dramatic twist. Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 18 provided the finishing push, ensuring the job was done with an over to spare.
An undefeated campaign, a legacy cemented
With this triumph, India became the first team to win the Champions Trophy three times, adding to their 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013 victories. No other team has matched this feat. More impressively, India lifted the trophy without losing a single match, stamping their absolute dominance in the tournament.
As the fireworks lit up the Dubai sky, Rohit and his men soaked in the historic moment—a night that will forever be etched in Indian cricket folklore.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 251/7 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53, Kuldeep Yadav 2/40, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/45).
India: 254/6 in 49 overs (Rohit Sharma 76, Shreyas Iyer 48, Mitchell Santner 2/46, Michael Bracewell 2/28).
New Zealand innings
The innings began with New Zealand throwing the first punch. A fiery start saw them race to 69 for 1 after ten overs, their intent clear, their confidence soaring. But then, like a perfectly orchestrated ambush, India's spinners struck, dragging the momentum in their favour. Kuldeep Yadav, with his wrist-spin wizardry, landed a double-blow just when Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson looked set to build a fortress. The breakthrough rattled New Zealand’s foundation, and the cracks deepened as Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel stepped in, bowling with metronomic precision, ensuring no batter could break free.
The turning point arrived in the middle overs when Varun Chakaravarthy, calm and calculating, delivered a decisive strike. Glenn Phillips, a dangerous presence in the middle, fell prey to Chakaravarthy’s deception. India, sensing an opportunity to throttle New Zealand completely, pressed harder. The spinners bowled 37.3 per cent of their deliveries on the stumps—the highest in any of their matches in this tournament—reaping rich rewards with a collective 5 for 50 from those balls.
But just as India prepared to walk off satisfied, the death overs delivered an unexpected twist. Daryl Mitchell’s grittiness kept New Zealand afloat before Michael Bracewell seized the moment. When the pacers returned for the final assault, Bracewell launched a counterattack, smashing an unbeaten 53 off just 40 balls. His late flourish ensured New Zealand crossed the 250-run mark, a total that suddenly looked formidable.
A spin-dominated battle, but pacers struggle
The contrast between spin and pace was glaring. India’s spin trio strangled the Kiwi batters, conceding just 144 runs in 38 overs at a stunning economy rate of 3.79. Meanwhile, the pacers bore the brunt of New Zealand’s aggression, leaking 104 runs in just 12 overs at an economy of 8.67. Mohammed Shami, in particular, had a forgettable outing, conceding 74 runs—the second-most by an Indian in a Champions Trophy game after Umesh Yadav’s 2 for 75 against South Africa in 2013.
This match also marked India’s third-highest number of spin overs bowled in an ODI, with 38 overs of spin—second only to their 41.2 overs against West Indies in Indore in 2011. In Champions Trophy history, only Sri Lanka’s 39.4 overs against Australia in the 2002 semi-final had seen more spin in a single innings.
A score within reach—but memories of 2019 linger
Despite New Zealand’s late surge, India can take solace in one fact—this is a gettable score, provided they start well. Chakaravarthy, speaking after the innings, acknowledged the challenge ahead: "It was a good wicket compared to the last one. Not turning much, so I stuck to the stump line and waited for mistakes. If we bat well initially, this is a chaseable total."
Yet, history casts a shadow. New Zealand’s total of 239 in Manchester in 2019 had been enough to send India crashing out of the World Cup. This time, India will hope to rewrite the script. The battle under the Dubai lights is set. Can India’s batters deliver, or will New Zealand’s bowlers script another heartbreak? The answer lies in the chase ahead.
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Total matches: 119
- India won: 61
- New Zealand won: 50
- No Result: 7
- Tie: 1
Details of India vs New Zealand final live streaming during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
When will the match between India and New Zealand final take place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
The match between India and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is scheduled to take place on March 9 (Sunday)
What is the venue for the India vs New Zealand match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
The match between India and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be held at the Dubai International cricket stadium on March 9.
What time will the toss take place for the India vs New Zealand match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on March 9?
The toss for the match between India and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will take place at 2 pm IST.
When will the match between India and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begin on March 9?
The match between India and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will start at 2:30 pm IST.
Where to watch the live telecast of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand in India?
Star Sports Network in India will telecast the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final match between India and New Zealand.
Where to watch the live streaming of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand in India?
JioHotstar in India will stream the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and New Zealand on their app and website.
Global broadcast guide for India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy final match in Dubai
| Country | Online Streaming | TV Broadcast |
| India | JioHotstar | JioStar (Star & Network 18) |
| Pakistan | Myco, Tamasha app | PTV, Ten Sports |
| UAE & MENA | STARZPLAY | CricLife Max, CricLife Max2 |
| United Kingdom | Sky Go, NOW, Sky Sports app | Sky Sports Cricket, Main Event, Action |
| United States & Canada | Willow by Cricbuzz app | Willow TV |
| Caribbean | ESPN Play Caribbean app | ESPN Caribbean |
| Australia | Prime Video (with Hindi commentary option) | Prime Video |
| New Zealand | NOW, Sky Go apps | Sky Sport NZ |
| South Africa & sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport app | SuperSport |
| Bangladesh | Toffee app | Nagorik TV, T Sports |
| Afghanistan | No official streaming option | ATN |
| Sri Lanka | Sirasa | Maharaja TV, TV1 on Linear |

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