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India wins champions trophy 2025 Win Record 3rd Title

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In a nail-biting finale that will be remembered for years to come, Team India emerged victorious against New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final, securing their record third title in the tournament's history. The match, played at a packed Eden Gardens in Kolkata, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying exceptional skill, determination, and resilience. In the end, it was India who held their nerve to clinch a thrilling victory, cementing their status as one of the most dominant forces in world cricket.

A Battle of Titans

The 2025 Champions Trophy final was a clash between two cricketing giants. India, led by the charismatic Rohit Sharma, came into the match as favorites, having dominated the tournament with a series of commanding performances. New Zealand, under the leadership of Kane Williamson, were no pushovers, having shown their mettle by defeating strong teams like Australia and South Africa in the knockout stages.

The stage was set for a high-octane encounter, and the players did not disappoint. The match had everything—stellar batting, fiery bowling, breathtaking fielding, and moments of sheer brilliance that left the fans on the edge of their seats.

 New Zealand's Solid Start

Winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat first, hoping to put up a challenging total on the board. Openers Devon Conway and Finn Allen got off to a steady start, cautiously navigating the early overs against India's formidable pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Conway, in particular, looked in sublime touch, playing elegant drives and flicks to keep the scoreboard ticking.

However, India struck back in the 10th over when Shami dismissed Allen with a perfectly executed yorker. The dismissal brought Kane Williamson to the crease, and the New Zealand captain immediately looked in control, playing his trademark wristy flicks and delicate cuts. Conway and Williamson stitched together a crucial 85-run partnership, laying a solid foundation for the Kiwis.

 India's Fightback

Just when it seemed like New Zealand were running away with the game, India's spinners turned the tide. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav bowled in tandem, applying the brakes on the scoring rate and picking up key wickets. Jadeja removed Conway for a well-made 67, while Kuldeep trapped Williamson lbw for 48. The middle order, comprising Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and James Neesham, tried to accelerate, but India's bowlers kept chipping away with regular breakthroughs.

Bumrah returned in the death overs to deliver a masterclass in yorkers, restricting New Zealand to a competitive but gettable total of 274/8 in their 50 overs. For India, Bumrah and Jadeja were the standout bowlers, picking up three wickets each.

India's Chase: A Tale of Grit and Determination

Chasing 275 in a high-pressure final was never going to be easy, especially against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. India's openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, started cautiously, respecting the good deliveries and punishing the loose ones. Gill, in particular, looked in sublime form, playing a series of elegant drives and pulls to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The duo put on a 75-run partnership before Gill fell to a brilliant catch by Glenn Phillips off the bowling of Trent Boult. Virat Kohli, walking in at number three, was greeted with thunderous applause from the crowd. The former captain, known for his ability to chase down targets, looked determined to guide India to victory.

Kohli's Masterclass

Kohli and Rohit Sharma steadied the ship with a 90-run partnership, blending caution with aggression. Kohli, in particular, was a treat to watch, playing his trademark cover drives and flicks with precision. Rohit, on the other hand, played the anchor role, rotating the strike and occasionally unleashing his powerful pulls and cuts.

Just when it seemed like India were cruising, New Zealand struck back with two quick wickets. Rohit was dismissed for a well-made 68, caught at mid-wicket off the bowling of Mitchell Santner. Suryakumar Yadav, the next man in, fell cheaply, leaving India at 180/3 in the 35th over.

The Pandya-Jadeja Show

With the required run rate creeping up, the pressure was firmly on India. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, two of India's most reliable finishers, rose to the occasion. Pandya, known for his explosive hitting, took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers, smashing boundaries at will. Jadeja, on the other hand, played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

The duo added 80 runs in just 10 overs, bringing India within touching distance of victory. Pandya's 55 off 40 balls was a masterclass in power-hitting, while Jadeja's calm and composed 42 not out ensured there were no late hiccups.

 Thrilling Finish

With 15 runs needed off the last two overs, the tension was palpable. Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand's premier fast bowler, was tasked with defending the total. Pandya, however, had other ideas, smashing a six and a four off the first two deliveries to bring the equation down to 5 runs off 10 balls. A single off the next ball brought Jadeja on strike, and the all-rounder sealed the victory with a boundary through extra cover, sparking wild celebrations in the Indian camp.

 Celebrations and Records

The victory marked India's third Champions Trophy title, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history. Rohit Sharma, who led the team with distinction throughout the tournament, was ecstatic in his post-match comments. "This is a special moment for us," he said. "The boys showed incredible character and determination to pull off this win. It's a proud moment for Indian cricket."

Virat Kohli, who was named Player of the Match for his crucial 82, dedicated the win to the fans. "The support we received throughout the tournament was incredible," he said. "This victory is for the fans who have stood by us through thick and thin."

 A Bright Future

The 2025 Champions Trophy triumph is a testament to India's depth and talent in world cricket. With a perfect blend of experienced stalwarts and young guns, the team looks well-poised to dominate the cricketing world in the years to come. As the players lifted the trophy amidst fireworks and cheers, one thing was clear—this was a victory for the ages, a moment that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans forever.

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