Rohit Sharma set the tone early, making India’s chase look effortless. Though his dismissal gave New Zealand a glimmer of hope, his innings had already shaped the match’s outcome on Dubai’s sluggish pitch. Contributions from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul ensured India secured a four-wicket win, claiming their third Champions Trophy title.

New Zealand, opting to bat first after winning the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, started well with an opening stand of 57 runs. However, a middle-order collapse saw them reduced to 108/4, ultimately managing 251/7— a decent total but not enough to fend off India.

Opener Rachin Ravindra provided a brisk start with 37 off 29 balls, hitting four fours and a six. Batting at No. 4, Daryl Mitchell played a steady knock, scoring 63 off 101 balls, including three boundaries. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell contributed crucial lower-order runs, ensuring a competitive total. Phillips made 34 off 52, while Bracewell’s quickfire 53 off 40 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes, helped New Zealand reach a respectable score.

In response, India began with dominance. Rohit Sharma launched a flurry of boundaries and sixes, forming a 105-run opening stand with Shubman Gill. Gill departed after a 50-ball 31, soon followed by Virat Kohli, who managed just 1. Rohit anchored the innings with a 76-run knock off 83 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, before falling. India, at 122/3, faced slight pressure.

Despite losing three more wickets, India comfortably chased the target. Shreyas Iyer contributed 48, Axar Patel added 29, while KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, guiding India to victory with an over to spare. Hardik Pandya chipped in with 18 runs.

With the ball, India’s leg-spin duo Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav were exceptional, both picking up two wickets each while keeping the run flow in check. Ravindra Jadeja was economical, conceding just 30 runs and taking one wicket. However, Mohammad Shami proved expensive, leaking 74 runs in nine overs while taking a wicket.

For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell picked up two wickets each. The absence of Matt Henry due to injury was a significant blow to the Kiwis.

This victory marks India’s third Champions Trophy title. They previously shared the trophy in 2002 and clinched their second title in 2013.