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Live Score: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill get off to a strong start against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand has kicked off with a bang, as Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have delivered a masterclass in batting, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The iconic venue, packed to the rafters with passionate fans, witnessed a breathtaking display of skill, timing, and composure from the Indian duo, who have put their team in a commanding position early in the match.


A High-Stakes Clash


The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket, and the 2025 final has lived up to its billing as a clash of titans. India, the defending champions, entered the match with a reputation for dominance in ICC events, while New Zealand, known for their resilience and tactical acumen, were determined to claim their maiden Champions Trophy title. The stakes were high, and the pressure was palpable as both teams took the field.


The Toss and Team Strategies


Winning the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma elected to bat first, a decision that raised eyebrows given the overcast conditions and the reputation of the pitch for offering assistance to fast bowlers early on. However, Sharma’s confidence in his openers and the depth of India’s batting lineup seemed to justify the call. New Zealand, led by their seasoned captain Kane Williamson, relied on their potent pace attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, to make early inroads.


Rohit Sharma’s Flawless Start


Rohit Sharma, one of the most prolific openers in modern cricket, began his innings with characteristic elegance. Known for his ability to accelerate once set, Sharma took his time early on, carefully negotiating the swing and seam movement generated by Boult and Ferguson. His footwork was precise, and his shot selection impeccable, as he dispatched loose deliveries to the boundary with ease.


Sharma’s first boundary came off a classic cover drive, a shot that has become synonymous with his batting. As he grew in confidence, he began to unleash his trademark pull shots, sending the ball soaring over the mid-wicket boundary. His ability to read the length early and his impeccable timing were on full display, much to the delight of the Indian fans.


Shubman Gill’s Composed Approach


At the other end, Shubman Gill played the perfect foil to Sharma’s aggression. The young prodigy, who has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, showcased his maturity and technical prowess. Gill’s ability to play late and close to his body allowed him to handle the moving ball with ease. He focused on rotating the strike and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, ensuring that the pressure never built up on the Indian innings.


Gill’s first boundary came off a beautifully timed flick through mid-wicket, a shot that highlighted his wristwork and balance. As the innings progressed, he began to open up, playing a series of elegant drives and cuts that left the New Zealand fielders scrambling. His partnership with Sharma was a blend of youth and experience, and it proved to be a nightmare for the New Zealand bowlers.


The Partnership Flourishes


The opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill was a testament to their understanding and chemistry at the crease. They ran between the wickets with precision, converting ones into twos and keeping the scoreboard ticking. The New Zealand bowlers, known for their discipline, struggled to contain the flow of runs as the Indian openers found gaps with remarkable consistency.


By the end of the first powerplay, India had raced to 65 without loss, a strong foundation that set the tone for the rest of the innings. Sharma and Gill continued to build on their partnership, reaching their respective half-centuries in style. Sharma’s fifty came off just 45 balls, while Gill reached the milestone in 50 deliveries, a reflection of their controlled aggression.


New Zealand’s Frustration


New Zealand’s bowlers toiled hard but were unable to break the partnership. Trent Boult, usually lethal with the new ball, was uncharacteristically expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate of over six. Lockie Ferguson’s express pace failed to unsettle the Indian openers, as they used his speed to their advantage, playing deft late cuts and powerful pulls.


Kane Williamson tried various bowling changes and field placements, but nothing seemed to work. The introduction of spin in the form of Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi also failed to yield the desired results, as Sharma and Gill handled the slower bowlers with ease. The frustration was evident on the faces of the New Zealand players, who knew that breaking this partnership was crucial to their chances in the final.


 Record-Breaking Stand


As the innings progressed, the partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill entered record-breaking territory. They became the first opening pair to stitch together a 150-run partnership in an ICC Champions Trophy final, a feat that underscored their dominance. The crowd erupted in applause as the milestone was reached, and the Indian dressing room was a picture of joy and confidence.


The Road Ahead


With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the crease, India is well-placed to post a mammoth total. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and New Zealand is known for their fighting spirit. The middle overs will be crucial, as the Black Caps will look to claw their way back into the game with quick wickets. For India, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum and ensuring that the strong start is converted into a match-winning total.


 Conclusion


The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final has begun in spectacular fashion, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill delivering a batting masterclass. Their partnership has not only put India in a commanding position but has also set the stage for an enthralling contest. As the match unfolds, fans around the world will be glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating more moments of brilliance in what promises to be a memorable final.

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