India secured the Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final match in Dubai.
Rohit Sharma led the chase with a brilliant 76 runs off 83 balls, while Lokesh Rahul’s unbeaten 34 guided India to victory with 254-6 in 49 overs. Earlier, New Zealand had set a target of 251-7 in 50 overs, helped by half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell.
Sharma gave India a fast start, smashing seven fours and three sixes, including a six off the second ball. After key contributions from Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29), India faced a tricky moment when Hardik Pandya and Rahul had to score 51 runs off 51 balls. They played carefully, and Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning boundary to seal India’s win.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised India, saying “Rohit’s innings was outstanding.” Sharma was named Player of the Match and credited India’s strong batting lineup for allowing him to play aggressively.
This is India’s third Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 and 2013. India remains unbeaten in 24 of its last 25 ICC tournament games, with its only loss coming in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia.
New Zealand, which won the Champions Trophy in 2000, fought hard but couldn’t stop India’s dominant performance.
Very sad for the Blackcaps a big fan!!!!