new zealand vs india final result

 

In a thrilling culmination of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India emerged victorious over New Zealand by four wickets in the final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9, 2025. This triumph marked India's third Champions Trophy title, underscoring their dominance in the tournament. 

new zealand vs india live streaming Prelude to the Final

Both teams showcased exceptional performances en route to the final. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, displaying a blend of robust batting and incisive bowling. Their semi-final victory over Australia was particularly noteworthy, with standout performances from key players.  New Zealand, often hailed as the underdogs, demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen. Their semi-final win against South Africa was a testament to their fighting spirit, especially considering the injury setbacks they faced. 

new zealand vs india live The Grand Finale

Winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat first. Their innings commenced on a cautious note, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra aiming to establish a solid foundation. However, India's bowling attack, led by the enigmatic spinner Varun Chakravarthy, posed significant challenges. Chakravarthy's mastery over his variations led to crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Young and Ravindra. Kane Williamson, the stalwart of New Zealand's batting lineup, anchored the innings with a resilient 81 off 120 balls. Despite his efforts, wickets tumbled at regular intervals, culminating in New Zealand being bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs. 

Chakravarthy's spell was nothing short of magical. He registered figures of 5 for 42, marking his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs. His ability to deceive batsmen with subtle variations made him the standout performer of the match. 

Chasing a target of 206, India faced early jitters. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were dismissed cheaply by Matt Henry, who replicated his earlier tournament form. Henry's fiery spell reduced India to 30 for 3, bringing the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to the crease. Iyer played a pivotal role, stabilizing the innings with a composed 79 off 98 balls. His partnerships with Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya were instrumental in steering India closer to the target. Despite a few late wickets, India achieved the target in 47.2 overs, securing a four-wicket victory. 

new zealand vs india highlights

Key Performances and Turning Points

• Varun Chakravarthy's Spin Web: His five-wicket haul dismantled New Zealand's middle order, preventing them from posting a competitive total.

• Matt Henry's Early Burst: Henry's initial spell put India on the back foot, but the middle order's resilience countered his efforts.

• Shreyas Iyer's Composure: Iyer's innings was the backbone of India's chase, showcasing maturity and tactical acumen under pressure.

new zealand vs india live match Post-Match Reflections

Indian captain Rohit Sharma lauded his team's resilience and adaptability. He emphasized the significance of collective effort and the ability to thrive under pressure. Coach Gautam Gambhir highlighted the meticulous planning and execution that paved the way for this historic win. 

On the other hand, New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, expressed a bittersweet sentiment. While proud of his team's journey to the final, he acknowledged the recurring challenges faced in summit clashes. Santner praised the team's fighting spirit, especially in light of injury setbacks, and emphasized the need to overcome the final hurdle in future tournaments. 

Historical Context and Rivalry

The India-New Zealand rivalry has been characterized by closely contested matches and mutual respect. Prior to this final, their most notable ICC tournament clash was during the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where New Zealand emerged victorious. This Champions Trophy final provided India an opportunity to avenge that loss, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.

Looking Ahead

India's triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025 solidifies their status as a powerhouse in limited-overs cricket. The blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents augurs well for their future endeavors. The focus now shifts to the upcoming World Cup, where expectations will be sky-high.

For New Zealand, the journey, though ending in heartbreak, showcased their tenacity and ability to punch above their weight. Addressing the challenges in high-pressure matches will be crucial as they prepare for future tournaments. The emergence of young talents like Rachin Ravindra offers a silver lining and hope for a brighter future.

Conclusion

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cricket. India's ability to navigate challenges and emerge victorious underscores their championship pedigree. New Zealand's journey, filled with grit and determination, exemplifies the spirit of the game. As both teams reflect on this encounter, fans worldwide are reminded of why cricket holds a special place in their hearts.