India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title on Sunday, March 9, 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The final was marked by intense competition and showcased the prowess of both teams.
All 25,000 tickets for the marquee event were sold out, generating approximately AED 9 million. Ticket prices ranged from AED 250 for general admission to AED 12,000 for the exclusive Sky Box hospitality. The fervor surrounding the match reflected its significance, with fans eager to witness the thrilling showdown.
Batting first, New Zealand set India a target of 252 runs. Captain Mitchell Santner's side aimed to build on their strong performance throughout the tournament. With their talented lineup, New Zealand was optimistic about their chances, especially considering them having previously secured victories over India.
India's opening pair faced the challenge head-on, starting strongly. Captain Rohit Sharma, who scored 76 runs, powered the innings with his characteristic aggression, helping India reach their fastest fifty of the tournament within 7.1 overs, sealing yet another record achievement. He lit up the ground with three sixes and numerous boundaries, including crisp strokes past the fielders.
After losing key players Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, India hit a rough patch. But partnerships, particularly between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, as well as Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul, turned the match around. Their on-field synergy ensured India remained on target to chase down New Zealand's score.
New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Matt Henry, who previously took five wickets against India earlier in the tournament, struggled to maintain their grip on the match. The pressure intensified as they fought to contain India's batting depth. Kumar’s precision this time around reflected his abilities to adapt to high-stakes situations, though it wasn’t enough to halt India’s progress.
The climax came as Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning runs, allowing India to celebrate their historic third Champions Trophy title. This victory places India alongside the elite, breaking their tie with Australia, boasting three Champions Trophy wins—adding to previous triumphs in 2002 and 2013.
The match held greater importance for India, who were eager to avenge their earlier defeats to New Zealand. After being eliminated by New Zealand during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and again losing to them at the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final, this title signified more than just another trophy; it was about redemption.
The cricketing community has applauded India’s magnificent achievement. India's seventh ICC title victory since their historic World Cup win under Kapil Dev's captaincy in 1983 is monumental. The country is now counted among the premier teams with significant achievements, ranking behind Australia, renowned for their 10 titles.
Rohit Sharma, after the match, reiterated, "This win helps us break the tie with Australia to secure our third Champions Trophy title." He acknowledged the efforts of his team, crediting strategic planning and preparation leading up the match—especially considering India's limited travel schedule as they played all their matches in Dubai due to security concerns surrounding travel to Pakistan.
This unique situation had also sparked discussions about fairness, with former players voicing concerns about the advantages gained by limited travel. "India had the edge with consistent playing conditions which some teams did not have; it raised eyebrows among cricket analysts and commentators," noted cricket expert Nasser Hussain.
The ICC Champions Trophy provided not just entertainment, but was also adorned with strategic battles and emotional stakes. The dramatic final encapsulated the spirit of cricket, showcasing the blend of skill and resilience required at such prominent global stages.
With the win, India has now cemented their legacy as one of the greats of the game, winning two ODI World Cups and two T20 World Cups along with this Champions Trophy—their dominance evident as they continue to build on their illustrious history. This latest trophy triumph clearly indicates India’s sustained excellence and determination within the international cricket arena, setting the stage for future feats.