8 March 2025
In a nail-biting finale on 8 March 2025, India defeated New Zealand by 12 runs to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match, held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. This victory marks India’s third Champions Trophy title, cementing their dominance in world cricket.
India won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave the team a solid start, putting up a 75-run partnership. Rohit scored a quickfire 45, while Gill anchored the innings with a steady 68. However, New Zealand’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs, with Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner taking crucial wickets. Virat Kohli played a captain’s knock, scoring 82 off 75 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 287/7 in 50 overs.
New Zealand’s chase began on a shaky note as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Devon Conway early. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a 90-run partnership. Williamson scored a brilliant 78, but his dismissal in the 35th over turned the game in India’s favor. Mitchell continued to fight, scoring 85, but the Indian bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took three wickets each, restricting New Zealand to 275/9.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. India’s fielding was exceptional, with Ravindra Jadeja taking a stunning catch to dismiss Glenn Phillips. The turning point came in the 48th over when Shami removed Mitchell, ending New Zealand’s hopes of a comeback.
After the match, Virat Kohli praised his team’s effort. “It was a complete team performance. Everyone stepped up when it mattered the most,” he said. Kane Williamson acknowledged India’s dominance but expressed pride in his team’s fight. “We gave it our all, but India was just too good today,” he said.
The victory sparked celebrations across India, with fans flooding the streets to cheer for their team. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on social media, calling it a “proud moment for the nation.”
Key Performances:
| Player | Team | Runs | Wickets | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | India | 82 | - | Captain’s knock, anchored innings |
| Shubman Gill | India | 68 | - | Solid opening partnership |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | - | 3 | Early breakthroughs |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 85 | - | Kept NZ in the game |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 78 | - | Steady middle-order innings |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | - | 2 | Key wickets in middle overs |
Match Summary:
| Team | Total Runs | Wickets Lost | Overs Played | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I ndia | 287 | 7 | 50 | Won by 12 runs |
| New Zealand | 275 | 9 | 50 | Lost |
This victory is a testament to India’s resilience and teamwork. The players showed great composure under pressure, and the fans’ unwavering support played a huge role. As the celebrations continue, the Indian team now sets its sights on the upcoming World Test Championship, aiming to add another trophy to their cabinet.
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