Black Caps Show Spirit in Defeat to India in Champions Trophy Final

New Zealand produced a gallant display in the Champions Trophy final, but ultimately fell short against India, who won by four wickets.

India emerged as the champions of the Champions Trophy, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final. The victory capped off an unbeaten campaign for India in the elite 50-overs tournament, showcasing their dominance in the competition.

Skipper Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in India's triumph, scoring a rapid 76 runs to top-score for his team. However, it was KL Rahul's unbeaten 34 runs in the nail-biting final overs that ultimately sealed the win for India, as they successfully chased down the 252-run target with one over to spare.

India's 1️⃣2️⃣-year wait comes to an end finally 🤩🏆#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/McUXxsjCaN

— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025

India's four-wicket victory was a testament to their exceptional form in the tournament, marking the perfect culmination of their unbeaten run. This win also extended India's impressive record in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments, with the team now having won 22 of their last 23 completed matches.

India's impressive record in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments has been marred by only one defeat in their last 23 completed matches, which came in the final of the 50-overs World Cup against Australia in 2023. Sunday's Champions Trophy triumph will help alleviate some of the pain from that loss.

New Zealand fought till the end but couldn't cross the final hurdle 💔

A valiant effort in the #ChampionsTrophy final 🇳🇿🙌 pic.twitter.com/7P42FFCzUI

— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025

The victory, however, has raised questions about the perceived “unfair advantage” India gained by playing all their matches in Dubai. India had refused to tour Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations, which only compete against each other in global events. As a result, other teams had to travel between three venues in Pakistan and the UAE for matches against India, while the eventual winners remained in Dubai, where conditions favored their spin bowling strength.

India's reliance on spin bowling paid off, particularly in the knockout matches, where they persisted with a four-pronged spin attack. In the final against New Zealand, their spin quartet bowled 38 of the 50 overs, highlighting the effectiveness of this strategy.

Rohit Sharma, who was named player-of-the-match for his rapid 76, praised his spinners and expressed gratitude to the large Indian fan base at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. "The crowd has been magnificent. It's not our home ground but they've made it our home ground," Rohit said, acknowledging the significant support from the Indian fans.

New Zealand has historically been a thorn in India's side in ICC events, making India's double victory over the Black Caps in the tournament all the more satisfying for the eventual winners. Despite being on the losing end, New Zealand's lion-hearted bowling effort while defending a modest 251-7 was a testament to their team's spirit.

The Black Caps' gallant display in their first ICC event under Mitchell Santner's leadership is a positive takeaway for the team. Prior to the Champions Trophy, New Zealand had won a tri-series in Pakistan and had a strong campaign, with their only losses coming against India. Despite missing the services of pace spearhead Matt Henry due to a shoulder injury, New Zealand fought valiantly against India.

Rachin Ravindra was deservedly named player of the tournament, having been the leading scorer while also sharing the spin workload and claiming three wickets. The 25-year-old's impressive performance included two centuries, adding to his three centuries in the 2023 ODI World Cup. “We've seen how he steps up in these major events and that's all you can ask for,” Santner said of Ravindra. “He understands his game at such a young age already. He's got such a massive future ahead. He even took the ball in hand and put the pressure back on them today.”