Dubai, March 9, 2025: India will chase 252 runs to claim the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 title after a disciplined bowling effort restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner saw his side get off to a promising start, but India’s bowlers staged a strong comeback to keep the total in check.
The Blackcaps’ openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put up a brisk 57-run partnership, with Ravindra taking an aggressive approach. However, India’s Varun Chakravarthy provided the breakthrough in the eighth over, dismissing Young for 15 off 23 balls.
India then tightened their grip as Kuldeep Yadav struck in successive overs, removing both the set batter Ravindra (37 off 29, 4 fours, 1 six) and Kane Williamson (11 off 14) to leave New Zealand struggling at 75/3 in 12.2 overs.
Amid the early setbacks, Daryl Mitchell played a steady knock, forming crucial partnerships with Glenn Phillips (34) and Michael Bracewell (53). Mitchell’s 63 off 101 balls, featuring three boundaries, helped rebuild the innings before he was dismissed by Mohammed Shami in the 46th over.
Bracewell provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 53 off 40 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes to push New Zealand past the 250-mark.
India’s bowlers executed a well-rounded attack with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy bagging two wickets each and Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami picking up one wicket apiece.
With 252 runs needed for victory, India will now look to chase down the target and secure their second Champions Trophy title. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s spinners will aim to apply pressure and turn the final into a low-scoring thriller.
Can India successfully chase down the total, or will New Zealand’s bowlers script a dramatic finish? The stage is set for an electrifying second innings!
