The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Under the dazzling floodlights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Team India carved its name in cricketing folklore, securing its third ICC Champions Trophy with a dominant four-wicket victory over New Zealand in a pulsating finale last night.
As twilight descended, the stadium transformed into a vibrant ocean of blue, with euphoric Indian fans creating an electrifying atmosphere. The crescendo of cheers reached its peak as Ravindra Jadeja struck the winning runs, triggering jubilant celebrations. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, while Jadeja provided a crucial finishing touch with a composed nine-run cameo. This triumph adds to India’s previous Champions Trophy victories in 2002 and 2013.
Chasing 252 for glory, India crossed the finish line with an over to spare. The Men in Blue started aggressively, but New Zealand’s disciplined bowling kept the contest finely balanced. The sluggish pitch, offering grip and turn, made stroke play a challenge. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who set the tone with a fluent knock, was named Player of the Match, while New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra earned the Player of the Series accolade. Among the Kiwi bowlers, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell bagged two wickets each, while Kyle Jamieson and Rachin Ravindra chipped in with one apiece.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a rollicking start, forging a commanding 105-run opening stand. Gill, ranked World No. 1, fought hard for his 31 before Glenn Phillips plucked a stunning catch at extra cover. Soon after, Virat Kohli was trapped LBW by Bracewell for a mere one. Rohit, who raced to a well-crafted half-century, was eventually stumped for 76 as New Zealand tightened the screws with a sequence of dot balls. Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship in the middle overs, with Iyer falling for 48 while trying to accelerate against Rachin Ravindra. Axar chipped in with a handy 29 before Bracewell accounted for his wicket. Hardik Pandya added a brisk 18, ensuring India remained on course before Jadeja and Rahul sealed the deal with composure.
Earlier, New Zealand, opting to bat on a spin-friendly track, posted 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a crucial 63, while Michael Bracewell provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 51 off 39 balls. Indian spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav were instrumental in stifling the Kiwis, picking up two wickets each.
New Zealand’s innings began on a strong note, but India’s spinners wrestled back control with timely breakthroughs. Varun drew first blood, trapping Will Young LBW. Kuldeep then turned the game in India’s favor, deceiving the in-form Rachin Ravindra with a googly on his very first ball before taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Kane Williamson. Ravindra Jadeja joined the act, pinning Tom Latham in front, while Varun cleaned up Phillips just when New Zealand sought acceleration. Mohammed Shami dismissed Mitchell in the death overs, while a mix-up saw Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner run out. Bracewell’s power-hitting in the final overs propelled New Zealand past the 250-mark.
Adding to New Zealand’s woes, Kane Williamson was unable to take the field in the second innings due to a quadriceps strain sustained while batting.
This victory marks India’s second ICC trophy in two years, following their T20 World Cup triumph, further reinforcing their dominance on the global stage.
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