India claim record third Champions Trophy title with thrilling win over New Zealand

India secured a historic third Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a dramatic final at the Dubai stadium on Sunday.

The victory, which came with just six balls to spare, was set up by a superb 76 from captain Rohit Sharma, supported by a brilliant spin bowling performance and composed batting from KL Rahul.

Chasing 252 to win, India’s start was dominated by Rohit, who notched his first half-century of the tournament. His efforts were complemented by Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 34 to guide the team home in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Dubai.

This victory added to India’s previous Champions Trophy titles from 2002 and 2013, surpassing Australia’s tally of two. India, the world’s number-one ODI team, finished the tournament unbeaten, which was played across Pakistan and the UAE.

“It is very nice,” said Rohit. “We played some good cricket throughout the tournament. To have the result go our way is a great feeling.”

Virat Kohli also expressed his joy, stating, “It’s been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. Lovely playing with a bunch of amazing youngsters. They’re stepping up and taking India in the right direction.”

He added, “When you leave, you want to leave in a better position. So many impactful knocks from Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Rahul have been played. The team is in good hands.”

Kohli and Rohit had both struggled during India’s 3-1 Test series defeat to Australia earlier in the year, and there had been speculation about their ODI retirements before the Champions Trophy.

However, both players silenced critics with their performances in the tournament.

The final itself turned into a spin battle on a sluggish Dubai pitch. New Zealand’s bowlers had India in trouble at 203-5, with Rohit and Shreyas Iyer (48) back in the pavilion.

However, Rahul kept calm and, alongside Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning boundary, guided India to victory.

India played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, having opted not to tour Pakistan due to political tensions.

Earlier, New Zealand had posted a total of 251-7 after being put in to bat. India’s spinners, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, were key in restricting the Black Caps’ total, with both bowlers taking two wickets each.

Rohit’s attacking 50 came off just 41 balls, setting the tone for India’s chase. However, a stunning catch from Glenn Phillips off Mitchell Santner put a brake on the Indian charge.

Phillips, leaping at extra cover, dismissed Shubman Gill for 31, giving New Zealand a crucial breakthrough.

Kohli fell soon after, trapped lbw for just one by Michael Bracewell, and India’s momentum faltered. Rohit’s wicket followed, as he was stumped by Tom Latham off Rachin Ravindra, leaving India at 122-3. However, Iyer’s steady innings, aided by a dropped catch from Kyle Jamieson, kept India on track.

Rahul’s resilience saw India home despite further losses, including those of Axar Patel and Pandya.

“It’s been a good tournament,” said New Zealand’s Santner. “We have been challenged along the way and the way we have grown as a group. We lost to a better side today.”

New Zealand had been without their pace spearhead Matt Henry, who was forced out of the final due to a shoulder injury.

Kane Williamson also failed to field after his batting contribution of 11, due to a quad strain.

Daryl Mitchell had made a solid 63, and Michael Bracewell had remained unbeaten on 53, but their efforts were insufficient against India’s depth in both batting and spin bowling.

Kuldeep’s two key wickets in quick succession – dismissing Ravindra (37) and Williamson – sealed New Zealand’s fate, as India completed their second win over the Black Caps in the tournament.