India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title after defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 252, India reached the target with six wickets down and an over to spare, thanks to a composed innings from skipper Rohit Sharma and crucial contributions from the middle order.
Rohit, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, led from the front with a 76-run knock, forming a 105-run opening stand with Shubman Gill. However, New Zealand struck back as Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit fell in quick succession, leaving India at 122/3. Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) steadied the chase before KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya finished the job with a match-winning partnership.
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Earlier, New Zealand, opting to bat first, posted 251/7 despite a strong start. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63, while Michael Bracewell added a quickfire 53. India’s spin attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, tightened the screws, restricting the Black Caps on a slow Dubai surface.
India’s unbeaten run in Dubai was instrumental in their triumph, having played all their matches at the venue due to political tensions. Their dominant spin quartet and well-paced batting display ensured a historic title victory, reinforcing their strength in global tournaments.
