India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final held in Dubai. Chasing a target of 252 runs, India achieved the total with six balls to spare, thanks to a stellar performance by captain Rohit Sharma, who top-scored with a brilliant half-century. India’s triumph was even more remarkable as they remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
India’s chase began strongly, with Rohit Sharma (76 off 83 balls) and vice-captain Shubman Gill (31 off 50 balls) forging a 105-run opening partnership. While Rohit played his characteristic aggressive innings, Gill adopted a more composed approach. The partnership was broken in the 19th over when Glenn Phillips took a stunning catch to dismiss Gill off Mitchell Santner’s bowling. Rohit continued to dominate but was eventually stumped by Tom Latham off Rachin Ravindra’s delivery after a knock that included seven fours and three sixes.
With 130 runs still needed, Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer stepped up, adding a crucial 61-run partnership. Iyer’s dismissal for 48 (62) brought KL Rahul to the crease, who steadied the innings alongside Axar. However, Axar’s unnecessary shot led to his dismissal for 29 (40), leaving India 49 runs short. Hardik Pandya contributed 18 (18) before falling, but Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja ensured India crossed the finish line in style, with Jadeja hitting the winning four.
Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting brilliance were instrumental in India’s victory, cementing their dominance in the tournament and adding another trophy to their illustrious cricketing history.
