
India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a thrilling chase against New Zealand in Dubai. Rohit Sharma led the charge with 76 runs, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 48. However, it was KL Rahul’s unbeaten 34 off 33 balls* that sealed the victory with four wickets in hand and six balls to spare. The high-pressure situation tested Rahul, who later admitted he was extremely nervous in the final overs.
- India won by four wickets, successfully chasing 252 runs.
- KL Rahul remained unbeaten, guiding India through a tense finish.
- Indian spinners played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 251/7.
KL Rahul Opens Up About His Emotions
Speaking after the match, KL Rahul candidly shared his feelings about the final overs. He confessed, “I was s****ing myself at the end,” acknowledging the pressure but remained confident with more batters to come. His composure in such critical moments proved vital for India’s victory.
India’s Chase: Composed Yet Thrilling
India required 61 runs from the last 10 overs with six wickets in hand. At the time, Rahul was batting on 2 and held his nerve till the end*. Despite losing two more wickets, India completed the chase efficiently.
India’s Top Performers in the Chase:
- Rohit Sharma: 76 runs
- Shreyas Iyer: 48 runs
- KL Rahul: 34* runs (Not Out)
Athiya Shetty’s Heartfelt Reaction
KL Rahul’s wife, Athiya Shetty, cheered from afar, sharing an emotional post about the tense chase. Her unwavering support has been evident throughout Rahul’s career, making this victory even more special.
KL Rahul’s Experience in Pressure Situations
Rahul emphasized the importance of staying composed in high-stakes matches. “In big games, it’s about holding your composure. It’s not easy, but I’m happy we got over the line this time,” he stated. He also recalled previous instances where he batted under pressure, proving his resilience and ability to handle crucial moments.
Indian Bowlers’ Impactful Performance
Before the chase, India’s bowlers restricted New Zealand to 251/7. Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53)* anchored the innings for the Kiwis. However, Indian spinners played a significant role in keeping the total in check.
Indian Bowling Figures:
- Varun Chakravarthy: 2 wickets
- Kuldeep Yadav: 2 wickets
- Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Siraj: 1 wicket each
India’s Second Consecutive ICC Trophy Win
This Champions Trophy title marks India’s second consecutive ICC trophy victory after their T20 World Cup 2024 win. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and Rahul Dravid’s coaching have been instrumental in India’s recent successes on the global stage.
What This Win Means for Team India
India’s victory cements their dominance in world cricket. The ability to handle pressure, perform consistently, and execute strategies perfectly makes them a formidable side in ICC tournaments.
Final Match Summary:
- New Zealand: 251/7 (50 Overs)
- India: 254/6 (48.4 Overs)
- India won by 4 wickets with 6 balls remaining
With this massive win, India now shifts focus to the upcoming ICC World Test Championship and ODI series. Their current form and confidence will play a key role in future tournaments.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
IND vs AUS, 1st Semi-Final | NZ vs SA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final