Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 9: India secured their third Champions Trophy title with a composed four-wicket victory over New Zealand in a tense final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a blistering 76, while crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer, K L Rahul, and Hardik Pandya ensured India successfully chased down a target of 252 with an over to spare.
Despite a seemingly straightforward chase on a pitch offering little turn, New Zealand fought back with regular breakthroughs, making India’s path to victory anything but smooth. After Rohit’s aggressive 83-ball knock ended, the tension in the Indian camp was palpable. However, the team’s deep batting lineup ensured they crossed the finish line, weathering the Kiwi bowling attack.
Iyer anchored the innings with a steady 48 off 62 balls, while Rahul held his nerve to remain unbeaten on 34 off 33 balls, sealing India’s triumph. With this win, India became the most successful team in Champions Trophy history, adding to their previous titles in 2002 and 2013, in front of a stadium packed with Indian supporters.
For Indian fans and the team alike, this victory served as redemption after the heartbreak of losing the 2023 ODI World Cup final on home soil. Earlier in the day, contrasting half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls) and Michael Bracewell (53 not out off 40 balls) guided New Zealand to a competitive 251/7 in their 50 overs.
India’s spinners controlled the game, accounting for five wickets on a slow pitch. The wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) kept the Kiwi batting in check, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a crucial wicket, setting the stage for a well-executed chase.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 251/7 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 2/40, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/45)
India: 254/6 in 49 overs (Rohit Sharma 76, Shreyas Iyer 48; Michael Bracewell 2/28, Mitchell Santner 2/46)
India won by four wickets.