KL Rahul leads India to four-wicket win over NZ in Champions Trophy final

The Indian team emerged victorious in a nail-biting final against New Zealand, ultimately lifting the championship trophy. This final, held in Dubai, once again witnessed an outstanding performance from KL Rahul, who guided the team to a hard-fought 4-wicket victory. His composure under pressure was instrumental in securing the win.

Just as in the semi-final against Australia at the same venue five days prior, Rahul remained calm, assisted by veterans Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, leading India to another significant title with one over to spare on Sunday. India struggled in their chase of New Zealand's 7-251, eventually reaching the target thanks to a crucial 76 from captain Rohit Sharma, with Rahul finishing the match unbeaten on 34. The team's resilience was evident throughout the chase.

Sharma's opening partnership of 105 with Shubman Gill briefly made the match seem like a comfortable victory. However, Glenn Phillips once again delivered an incredible diving catch to send Gill back to the pavilion. Michael Bracewell's excellent all-round performance inspired New Zealand, taking key wickets whenever India seemed to be gaining control. Phillips' catch proved to be a turning point in the game.

After Shreyas Iyer contributed 48 runs, it ultimately fell to veterans Pandya (18 off 18 balls) and Jadeja (9 not out off 6 balls) to help Rahul see the game through. Rahul said with a laugh in the post-match interview: "I don't think I can say this on camera, but I was s***ing myself at the end. In such big games, it's key to stay calm. It's not easy, but glad we got through this time." The veteran players provided valuable support to Rahul in the final moments.

For India, who remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament, this is their second International Cricket Council trophy in two years, following their T20 World Cup win in Bridgetown in 2024. Apart from their loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final, they have now established their dominance in white-ball cricket, boasting an impressive record of 23 wins in their last 24 International Cricket Council matches. When asked about the secret, Rahul said: "It's hard to put into words, but pure skill… we keep challenging ourselves and trying to get better." The team's consistency and skill have been key to their success.

Bracewell's brilliant half-century off 39 balls late in the innings boosted their total, enabling New Zealand to get well into the game. After enduring a trial by spin, Bracewell ended the innings unbeaten on 53 off 40 balls. New Zealand, choosing to bat first, took full advantage of India's failure to support their excellent spinners, dropping four catches. Kuldeep Yadav (2-40), Jadeja (1-30), Varun Chakravarthy (2-45), and Axar Patel (0-29) put the squeeze on New Zealand, with Daryl Mitchell's slow but vital 63 off 101 balls helping to steady the ship, and Bracewell's hitting providing crucial impetus for Mitchell Santner's team. New Zealand's batting performance helped them put up a competitive total.

Rohit made amends for a dropped catch with three magnificent sixes in his 76. However, India began to falter after Phillips took a screamer to dismiss Gill off a fierce cut at short extra cover – his fourth stunning catch of the tournament. Uncertainty began to creep in. Bracewell then removed chase-master Virat Kohli for 1, before Rohit was stumped trying to bully Rachin Ravindra, who earlier made another exciting 37 with the bat and ultimately deservedly took the player-of-the-series award as a consolation. These dismissals put pressure on the Indian batting lineup.

Bracewell (2-28) continued to shine, dismissing the dangerous Axar, who made 29, but the depth of India's batting line-up ultimately proved too strong, even after Pandya was caught and bowled off a leading edge by Kyle Jamieson in what seemed like a final plot twist. Unfortunately for the New Zealanders, India kept their cool on Dubai soil, with Rohit Sharma rightly asserting: "We've been playing really good cricket throughout the tournament." Santner, missing key quick Matt Henry through injury, had no complaints. "We've had challenges throughout, but as a group, we've grown and played some wonderful cricket." India's strong batting lineup and composure under pressure secured their victory.