Champions Trophy final: India survive scare to beat New Zealand and win title

India withstood a fightback from New Zealand to win the Champions Trophy final in Dubai by four wickets. With this victory, India has solidified its position as a top-tier white-ball team in the world, showcasing their dominance in the sport.

India, who had performed outstandingly throughout the tournament, got off to a flying start in pursuit of a target of 252, but then lost three wickets for just 17 runs, including captain Rohit Sharma (76) and Virat Kohli (1). Subsequently, Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) also fell, leaving India needing 49 runs to win with 51 balls remaining. This sudden collapse created some tension and uncertainty in the Indian camp.

Hardik Pandya helped India edge closer to victory, and after he was dismissed for 18, KL Rahul finished the game with 34 not out, while Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning run with one ball to spare. India always felt in control of the game, thanks to another excellent performance from their spin bowlers, who restricted New Zealand to 251-7. The spinners' consistent performance proved to be a key factor in India's success.

The victory also symbolises that India has now won the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy since losing the 2023 World Cup final – this is their third time winning the event, but their first since 2013. Fans in Dubai were vociferous in their support for India, with fireworks lighting up the night sky as players invaded the pitch at the end, but disappointingly the final was not in Lahore, as it should have been had India not refused to travel to Pakistan. The atmosphere and celebrations were truly electric.

India's spin bowlers restricted New Zealand's scoring, while Rohit Sharma launched an assault. India looked on course for a comfortable victory when Rohit hammered New Zealand's seam bowlers, with Matt Henry, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, missing out through a shoulder injury. In the end, India had to grind it out, as they have done at any point in this unbeaten run in the tournament, but their depth and strength is such that they were always favourites with vociferous support. They were also liberated by winning the T20 World Cup last year, which ended their 13-year wait for a world title. This victory has further boosted their confidence and momentum.

India batter Virat Kohli said: "It's an amazing feeling, great to be playing with such a brilliant bunch of youngsters. There's so much talent in the dressing room, and they're pushing Indian cricket in the right direction. These guys are stepping up in a big way, and that's why we're so strong." India captain Rohit Sharma said: "We've played some brilliant cricket throughout the tournament. Fantastic to come here and win it. The crowd has been amazing. It's not our home ground, but they made it feel like it was." Their positive comments reflect the team's camaraderie and confidence.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said: "It's been a decent tournament. We've faced some challenges along the way, but we've grown as a team. We've played some good cricket, but we came up short against a better team. Credit to the way they played, they're world-class spinners. We were probably 20 runs short of what we wanted, but we just went out there and tried to restrict them." Despite the loss, Santner acknowledged the strength of the Indian team and their spinners.