Champions Trophy Final: Dubai International Stadium witnessed a night of unforgettable cricket and joyous celebrations as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the victory itself was a monumental achievement, it was Shreyas Iyer’s electrifying dance in front of the Champions board that stole the limelight, adding a touch of flair to India’s historic win.
India’s Hard-Fought Victory
The final was a gripping contest, with both teams fighting hard for the coveted title. Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 251/8 in their 50 overs. Their innings was built on a resilient batting effort on a surface that offered assistance to both bowlers and batters.India’s chase got off to a dream start, courtesy of a superb 105-run opening stand between skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit led from the front with a well-crafted 76, setting the foundation for the middle order. However, New Zealand struck back with quick wickets, dismissing Rohit and Virat Kohli in succession to put India under pressure.
Enter Shreyas Iyer, who walked in at No. 4 after Kohli’s dismissal in the 20th over. He played a vital knock, scoring a composed 48 off 52 balls, stabilizing India’s chase at a crucial juncture. His calm approach ensured that India remained on track, allowing the lower order to finish the job. Contributions from Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya ensured that India reached the target with six wickets down and an over to spare, sealing a famous win.
