India vs New Zealand Highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India Clinch Thriller vs New Zealand To Win Record 3rd Title
The 2025 Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand turned out to be one of the most electrifying matches in recent cricketing history. In a nail-biting thriller, India clinched victory by a slender margin, defeating New Zealand to secure their record-breaking third Champions Trophy title. This match was not just a contest between two of the best teams in world cricket, but also a display of individual brilliance, team spirit, and a battle of wits between two top-class cricketing nations. Here is a detailed look back at how the match unfolded, the key moments, and the standout performances that made India’s victory so special.
The Build-Up to the Final
Both India and New Zealand entered the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy on the back of impressive campaigns. India had dominated their group stage with high-quality performances, led by their top-order batsmen and a strong bowling unit. On the other hand, New Zealand, known for their unorthodox style of play, had shown incredible resilience, defeating some of the toughest teams in the competition to book their place in the final.
While India boasted an experienced and well-balanced squad with stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, New Zealand was no less formidable. The Black Caps were known for their consistency and tactical brilliance under the leadership of Kane Williamson. With both teams in top form, cricket fans around the world eagerly awaited the final, which promised to be a spectacle.
The Coin Toss and Team News
The final was played at the renowned Oval in London, a ground that has hosted many memorable matches over the years. On a slightly overcast day, the pitch looked to be a balanced one, with something for both the batsmen and bowlers.
When the coin was tossed, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit any early movement in the pitch and put pressure on India’s batting order. This decision was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the choice for the conditions, while others felt India’s strong top order might dominate in the first innings.
India, therefore, would begin their innings with the responsibility of setting a competitive total. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were given the task of getting India off to a solid start.
India’s Innings: A Solid Foundation and Late Drama
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill walked out to bat, both having been in excellent form throughout the tournament. The pair started cautiously, with Rohit playing the anchor role and Shubman looking to find the boundaries whenever possible. The pitch seemed to be offering some swing early on, but New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to find consistent accuracy.
Rohit, as always, was the more patient of the two. He worked the ball around, finding gaps, and steadily built the innings. However, the breakthrough came when Matt Henry, New Zealand’s most dependable pacer, struck in the 12th over, dismissing Rohit for a well-made 35 runs. This brought Virat Kohli to the crease, and the pressure was on for India to rebuild.
Kohli’s arrival brought an air of calm to the Indian camp. Along with Shubman Gill, Kohli started to anchor the innings, playing a series of elegant drives and working the ball to all parts of the ground. The pair put on a steady partnership, but just as India looked to accelerate, Mitchell Santner, the left-arm spinner, made an important breakthrough. He dismissed Kohli for 45 runs with a well-flighted delivery that induced a soft edge to the wicketkeeper.
This brought Hardik Pandya to the crease, and his aggressive approach was just what India needed. Pandya played with freedom, finding boundaries off almost every delivery he faced. The partnership between him and Gill blossomed into one of the most exciting passages of play in the match. Hardik’s shots, a combination of power and timing, took India’s total past 200.
However, in the 42nd over, disaster struck for India. Shubman Gill, who had looked set for a big score, was dismissed for 92 by an excellent ball from Trent Boult. Gill’s departure left India in a slightly vulnerable position at 210/4 with just a few overs remaining.
MS Dhoni, still a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup, joined Hardik Pandya. The duo had to balance the urgency of scoring quickly with the need to see India to a competitive total. The final overs turned into an intense battle. New Zealand’s bowlers brought their A-game, with Boult and Henry working hard to keep the run rate in check. However, Pandya’s aggression kept India in the game. He scored an invaluable 58 runs off just 38 balls, ensuring India finished at a challenging total of 275/8.
The total was not as imposing as some might have hoped, but it was defendable, especially with India’s bowling attack that had been in exceptional form throughout the tournament.
New Zealand’s Chase: A Dramatic Finish
New Zealand’s chase started on a positive note, with Devon Conway and Kane Williamson coming out to bat. Conway, who had been in fine form throughout the tournament, played a couple of beautiful boundaries early on, while Williamson, ever the calm and composed presence, played the anchor role. The pair quickly settled into a rhythm and began to build the chase.
The Indian bowlers, however, were not going to make it easy. Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of India’s attack, was brought on early and started to create pressure. His ability to bowl yorkers and swing the ball at pace kept the New Zealand batsmen guessing. At the other end, Mohammed Siraj was generating serious pace, and it was clear that New Zealand was going to have to work hard for every run.
At 120/1 in the 22nd over, the game seemed balanced, but India made a key breakthrough. Conway was dismissed for 52 by a stunning delivery from Siraj, who found the edge of Conway’s bat to send him back to the pavilion. This brought Daryl Mitchell to the crease, but his stay was short-lived as he was caught by Hardik Pandya off Bumrah’s bowling for just 12 runs.
With New Zealand now 140/3, India’s bowlers started to tighten their grip on the match. Kane Williamson continued to fight, but wickets kept falling at the other end. Tom Latham and James Neesham were dismissed cheaply, and suddenly, New Zealand was left with 70 runs to chase with only three wickets remaining.
Williamson, however, continued to battle. His innings was a masterclass in resilience, as he played a lone hand, fighting through the pressure. As the game entered its final stages, New Zealand needed 28 runs from the final 18 balls. The crowd was on edge, knowing that anything could happen in this tense encounter.
In the 48th over, Bumrah was entrusted with the ball, and he delivered a masterstroke. Williamson, who had been playing superbly, was dismissed for 72, caught by Rishabh Pant. This wicket was a crushing blow to New Zealand, as they now required 20 runs from the last 12 balls with only two wickets left.
The final over came, and New Zealand still needed 13 runs. Bumrah bowled the final six balls with unflappable composure, and despite a few valiant swings from Kyle Jamieson, India held their nerve. Bumrah’s immaculate yorkers and tight lines ensured that New Zealand fell short, as they were bowled out for 263/9.
India had won the match by 12 runs, clinching the Champions Trophy 2025 in one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory.
Post-Match Celebration and Key Performances
India’s victory was met with wild celebrations as the players embraced each other. The win was historic for India, as it marked their third Champions Trophy title, a record unmatched by any other nation. The Indian team had now won the prestigious trophy in 2002, 2013, and 2025, cementing their place as one of the most successful teams in the history of the tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. He finished with figures of 4/38, including key wickets at crucial moments in the game. His composure and ability to deliver under pressure were crucial in defending India’s total.
Shubman Gill was awarded Player of the Tournament for his consistent brilliance throughout the tournament, including his match-winning knock of 92 in the final. His elegant strokeplay and calm demeanor made him a standout performer for India.
Conclusion
India’s victory over New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final will be remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic finals in the tournament’s history. The match showcased the best of both teams — the resilience and determination of New Zealand, and the class and tactical brilliance of India. With this third Champions Trophy title, India once again proved their dominance on the global stage and solidified their position as one of the greatest teams in modern cricket.