The Crossbill Sports Desk
India secured its third ICC Champions Trophy title with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand, successfully chasing a target of 252 in 49 overs. The win cements India's dominance in the tournament, making it the first nation to claim three titles, following previous triumphs in 2002 and 2013.
Ravindra Jadeja sealed the victory in dramatic fashion, striking a boundary off the final ball of the 49th over to take India from 250 to 254 runs in a tense finale.
Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring 76 runs—the highest in India’s innings—followed by Shreyas Iyer (48) and K.L. Rahul (34). New Zealand, opting to bat first after winning the toss, saw half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53). Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put up a strong 57-run stand in just over seven overs before the Indian spinners, spearheaded by Varun Chakaravarthy, tightened their grip and restricted the Kiwi scoring rate.
India’s chase began on a promising note, with Sharma and Shubman Gill forging a century partnership. However, the dismissal of Virat Kohli for just one run triggered a series of setbacks, as wickets fell at crucial moments. The scoring pace slowed, with boundaries becoming scarce, but Rahul and Jadeja's composed partnership guided India to victory in the end.
Sharma was named Player of the Match for his stellar knock, while New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra earned the Player of the Tournament award.
Despite Pakistan hosting the event, India played all its matches in Dubai due to the Indian government's stance against competing on Pakistani soil.
Ravindra Jadeja sealed the victory in dramatic fashion, striking a boundary off the final ball of the 49th over to take India from 250 to 254 runs in a tense finale.
Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring 76 runs—the highest in India’s innings—followed by Shreyas Iyer (48) and K.L. Rahul (34). New Zealand, opting to bat first after winning the toss, saw half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53). Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put up a strong 57-run stand in just over seven overs before the Indian spinners, spearheaded by Varun Chakaravarthy, tightened their grip and restricted the Kiwi scoring rate.
India’s chase began on a promising note, with Sharma and Shubman Gill forging a century partnership. However, the dismissal of Virat Kohli for just one run triggered a series of setbacks, as wickets fell at crucial moments. The scoring pace slowed, with boundaries becoming scarce, but Rahul and Jadeja's composed partnership guided India to victory in the end.
Sharma was named Player of the Match for his stellar knock, while New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra earned the Player of the Tournament award.
Despite Pakistan hosting the event, India played all its matches in Dubai due to the Indian government's stance against competing on Pakistani soil.
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