India clinch Champions Trophy by thumping New Zealand 

Rohit Sharma and Sheryas Iyer power India to clinch Champions Trophy 2025 by beating New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Chasing a target of 252, India successfully reached 254/6 in 49 overs, securing their third Champions Trophy title.

Chasing 252 to win, India got off to a fast start through their captain's first half-century of the tournament before KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 34 to help seal victory with six balls to spare in the final in Dubai.

India added to their trophies in 2002 and 2013 to go past Australia, who have two titles.

The world number's one ODI team, India finished unbeaten in the eight-nation tournament played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

"It is very nice," Rohit said. "We played some good cricket though the tournament. To have the result our way is a great feeling."

Star batsman Virat Kohli said: "It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. Lovely playing with a bunch of amazing youngsters. They're stepping up and taking India in the right direction."

"When you leave, you want to leave in a better position. So many impactful knocks (Shubman) Gill, Shreyas (Iyer), Rahul have played. The team is in good hands," he added.

Both Kohli and Rohit had a lean run of form in India's 3-1 Test defeat in Australia earlier this year and the pair came into the tournament with speculation swirling over their ODI retirements.

In a battle of spin on a sluggish Dubai pitch, New Zealand's bowlers put India in trouble at 203-5 with Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who hit 48, back in the pavilion.

But Rahul kept calm and along with Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning boundary, steered the team home to loud cheers from a largely Indian crowd in a sea of blue.

India played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium after they refused to tour hosts Pakistan due to political tensions.

India played four spinners in their last three matches, which proved telling in deciding the outcome.

Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each to help restrict New Zealand to 251-7 after the Black Caps elected to bat first.

In reply, Rohit came out firing as he took on the pace bowlers with regular boundaries including a six and two fours in one over off Nathan Smith.

The captain reached his fifty in 41 balls to put the pressure on the opposition.

New Zealand's spinners attempted to pull things back and a stunning catch from Glenn Phillips secured a key breakthrough.

Phillips went airborne to pluck a flying ball at extra cover to dismiss Shubman Gill for 31 off skipper Mitchell Santner.

Kohli fell in the next over, trapped lbw for one off Michael Bracewell's off-spin, and the momentum shifted as runs dried up for India.

Rohit, after a maiden over from Bracewell, jumped out of his crease against Rachin Ravindra only to be stumped by Tom Latham as India slipped from 105 without loss to 122-3.

Iyer controlled the chase, aided by a dropped catch by Kyle Jamieson, but soon fell to Santner.

India lost Axar Patel and Pandya, but Rahul stood strong to drag his team over the line.

"It's been a good tournament," said New Zealand's Santner. "We have been challenged along the way and the way we have grown as a group. We lost to a better side today."

New Zealand missed their pace spearhead Matt Henry after he was forced out of the final due to a shoulder injury.

Kane Williamson also could not come out to field after his batting effort of 11 due to a quad strain.

Daryl Mitchell hit 63, and Bracewell made a quickfire 53 not out for New Zealand, but it was not enough against an Indian side with considerable batting depth.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep's two wickets in the space of two overs to dismiss Ravindra, for 37, and then Williamson proved crucial as India followed up their group-stage win over New Zealand with another triumph.

Earlier, opting to bat first on a turning track, the Kiwis got off to a solid start with in-form openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra accumulating 57 runs in the first seven overs.

However, India’s spinners quickly turned the tide. Will Young was dismissed for 15, trapped lbw by Varun Chakravarthy.

Rachin Ravindra, who looked promising with a 37-run knock, fell to Kuldeep Yadav. Kane Williamson, tasked with steadying the innings, could only manage 11 before also succumbing to Kuldeep’s spin.

Tom Latham (14) followed suit, leaving New Zealand struggling at 108-4 in 23.2 overs.

With the team in trouble, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell built a crucial partnership. Phillips scored a gritty 34 off 52 balls in challenging conditions before departing, while Mitchell anchored the innings with a determined 63 off 101 deliveries.

Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were the standout bowlers for India, each claiming two wickets and keeping New Zealand’s scoring in check.

With a competitive total on the board, the final now sets the stage for an intense chase as India looks to lift the trophy.

 India's playing XI:

India's probable playing XI includes Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

New Zealand's playing XI:

New Zealand's probable lineup features Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, and Nathan Smith.

As millions of cricket fans eagerly watch, only time will tell whether India claims its third Champions Trophy or New Zealand makes history with a second title.