Date: March 9, 2025
In a nail-biting finale at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India emerged victorious against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. The match, held on March 9, 2025, will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in cricket history. India clinched the title by 18 runs, securing their third Champions Trophy win. The stadium was packed with over 65,000 fans, and millions more watched the game live on television and streaming platforms.
Match Summary
India won the toss and elected to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 298 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs. In response, New Zealand fought hard but fell short, scoring 280 runs in 49.2 overs. The match was filled with dramatic moments, brilliant performances, and a few heart-stopping twists that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
India’s Innings: A Solid Start and a Strong Finish
India’s opening pair, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, provided a steady start. Rohit, playing his signature pull shots, scored a quick 45 off 50 balls before being dismissed by Trent Boult. Gill, on the other hand, anchored the innings with a composed 68 off 85 deliveries.
Virat Kohli, the backbone of India’s middle order, played a crucial knock of 72 runs. His partnership with Suryakumar Yadav (44 off 38 balls) added 98 runs for the fourth wicket, setting the stage for a strong finish. Hardik Pandya’s explosive 35 off 20 balls in the death overs ensured India reached a challenging total of 298.
New Zealand’s bowlers tried their best to contain the Indian batsmen. Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson picked up two wickets each, while Mitchell Santner was economical, conceding only 45 runs in his 10 overs.
New Zealand’s Chase: A Valiant Effort Falls Short
Chasing 299, New Zealand got off to a shaky start. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing Finn Allen for just 12 runs. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson then steadied the innings with a 102-run partnership. Conway scored a fluent 56, while Williamson played a captain’s knock of 89 runs.
Just when it seemed like New Zealand was gaining control, India’s spinners turned the game around. Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Williamson, and Ravindra Jadeja removed Glenn Phillips in the same over. These breakthroughs put New Zealand under pressure.
James Neesham and Mitchell Santner tried to revive the chase with a 65-run partnership. Neesham’s 47 off 40 balls kept New Zealand’s hopes alive, but his dismissal in the 45th over shifted the momentum back to India. Mohammed Shami’s brilliant spell in the death overs sealed the deal for India. He finished with figures of 3/48, including the crucial wicket of Santner.
Key Performances
Virat Kohli (India): 72 runs off 86 balls, anchoring the innings.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand): 89 runs off 102 balls, leading from the front.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): 2/42 in 10 overs, including early breakthroughs.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): 1/45 in 10 overs and a handy 38 runs with the bat.
Turning Points
Kohli-Yadav Partnership: Their 98-run stand took India from a precarious position to a strong total.
Williamson’s Dismissal: Kuldeep Yadav’s delivery to dismiss Williamson shifted the momentum in India’s favor.
Shami’s Death Overs: His accurate bowling in the final overs ensured New Zealand couldn’t accelerate.
Post-Match Reactions
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised his team’s fighting spirit. “It was a complete team effort. Everyone contributed, and that’s what makes this win special,” he said. Virat Kohli, who was named Player of the Match, dedicated his award to the fans. “The support we received was incredible. This victory is for them,” he added.
Kane Williamson, though disappointed, acknowledged India’s performance. “We gave it our all, but India played better cricket today. Congratulations to them,” he said.
Tournament Highlights
The Champions Trophy 2025 featured some memorable performances. Here are a few highlights:
Highest Run-Scorer: Shubman Gill (India) – 412 runs in 5 matches.
Highest Wicket-Taker: Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – 15 wickets in 4 matches.
Best Match: India vs. Pakistan group stage match, where India won by 3 wickets in a last-over thriller.
Final Scorecard
| India | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 45 | 50 | 5 | 1 |
| Shubman Gill | 68 | 85 | 7 | 1 |
| Virat Kohli | 72 | 86 | 6 | 1 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 44 | 38 | 4 | 2 |
| Hardik Pandya | 35 | 20 | 3 | 2 |
| Extras | 12 | |||
| Total | 298/7 | 50 overs |
| New Zealand | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Conway | 56 | 62 | 6 | 1 |
| Kane Williamson | 89 | 102 | 8 | 1 |
| James Neesham | 47 | 40 | 5 | 2 |
| Mitchell Santner | 38 | 35 | 3 | 1 |
| Extras | 10 | |||
| Total | 280 | 49.2 overs |
Bowling Figures
| India | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 10 | 42 | 2 |
| Mohammed Shami | 9.2 | 48 | 3 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 10 | 55 | 1 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 10 | 47 | 2 |
| New Zealand | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Boult | 10 | 52 | 2 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 10 | 60 | 2 |
| Mitchell Santner | 10 | 45 | 1 |
The IND vs NZ CT 2025 final was a fitting end to a thrilling tournament. India’s victory showcased their depth and resilience, while New Zealand’s fighting spirit won hearts. As the players lifted the trophy amidst fireworks and cheers, cricket fans around the world celebrated a memorable day in the sport’s history.
This win cements India’s position as one of the most dominant teams in world cricket. With the next World Cup just around the corner, the Men in Blue will look to carry this momentum forward. For now, though, the celebrations continue as India basks in the glory of their Champions Trophy triumph.
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