In a thrilling finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets. This victory adds to India’s previous Champions Trophy successes in 2002 and 2013, reaffirming their dominance in international cricket.
Match Highlights:
- New Zealand’s Innings: Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a total of 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Key contributions came from Daryl Mitchell, who scored 63 runs, and Michael Bracewell, who remained unbeaten at 53. India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, were instrumental in restricting New Zealand, each claiming two wickets.
- India’s Chase: Chasing 252, India got off to a solid start, thanks to captain Rohit Sharma’s impressive 76 runs. Shreyas Iyer added a valuable 48, while KL Rahul’s unbeaten 34 guided India to victory with nine balls to spare, finishing at 254 for 6.
Key Performances:
- Rohit Sharma: The Indian skipper led from the front, anchoring the innings with a crucial 76, setting the foundation for the chase.
- Indian Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy played pivotal roles in the middle overs, applying pressure and taking key wickets to halt New Zealand’s momentum.
Celebrations:
The victory was met with jubilant celebrations both on the field and among fans worldwide. The BCCI shared exclusive footage of the team’s post-match celebrations, capturing the elation and camaraderie within the squad.
This Champions Trophy win not only adds another feather to India’s cricketing cap but also sets a positive tone for upcoming international fixtures. The team’s blend of experienced leadership and young talent continues to inspire and elevate India’s status in the cricketing world.