India secured a thrilling four-wicket win against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final, continuing their unbeaten run in the tournament and solidifying their dominance in international cricket. With this victory, India now holds two out of the four prestigious ICC trophies and has won 22 out of their last 23 completed matches in the last three ICC tournaments alone.
New Zealand put up a strong fight, defending valiantly against the heavy favorites India. After winning the toss – a crucial factor given India’s 15 consecutive ODI toss losses – New Zealand initially raced to 69 for 1 during the powerplay. However, India’s high-quality spin attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, helped drag them back. On a pitch offering minimal turn, India’s spinners bowled 38 overs for just 144 runs and took five wickets, stifling New Zealand’s batting efforts.
New Zealand’s late surge came from Michael Bracewell, who struck an aggressive 53 off 40 balls, setting India a target of 252. The Indian chase began strongly with a 105-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Despite some challenges, including a tight spell of spin bowling from New Zealand, India maintained their composure and depth in batting.
Although several key players got starts, including Rohit (76), Iyer (48), and Rahul (34*), none managed to see the game through alone. However, India’s remarkable depth in batting, coupled with crucial contributions from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, enabled them to reach the target with one over to spare, finishing at 254 for 6.
The game’s turning point came as India’s spinners strangled New Zealand’s middle overs, with Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav picking up key wickets. Kuldeep’s vital dismissals of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, along with a tight spell from Jadeja, left New Zealand struggling at 75 for 3 in the middle overs. Though Bracewell and Mitchell kept fighting, a slower ball from Mohammed Shami eventually got the better of Mitchell, and Bracewell’s late flurry proved insufficient as India sealed the win.
Rohit Sharma’s attacking approach at the start and key contributions from Iyer and Rahul helped India hold their nerve despite a middle-order wobble. Even after a late setback with Hardik Pandya’s dismissal, Jadeja’s calm performance in the final overs saw India across the line.
This victory once again highlighted India’s depth and skill, proving their supremacy in world cricket, while New Zealand’s brave effort ultimately fell short.
