India finally won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title beating New Zealand in the final. The match played on an unexpected venue remained one-sided. Last time runner-up team chased down the target of 252 in 49 overs, having 4 wickets in hand.
Pakistan, the official host of the tournament, was going to hold the Grand Final in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. PCB was already planning for the Final Match ceremony. India once again refused to travel to Pakistan after reaching the final beating Australia in Dubai.
This is not the first time when India took an unfair advantage of single-stadium. In Asia Cup 2023, India played its matches in Sri Lankan pitch forcing other teams to travel from Pakistan to the Sri Lanka to play against India. India’s long stay on a single venue and matches on a single stadium help them win the title.
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India, once again, used their Big-3 Wild Card and ICC Chairmanship to create a Bullish in betting market. India initially refused to travel Pakistan citing some security concerns. Pakistan was forced to agree with the hybrid model to keep the hosting rights. After India confirmed its place in the final, the Final match was shifted from Lahore to Dubai giving another edge to the India.
New Zealand decided to bat first after winning the toss. After initial attack on Indian fast bowling lineup, New Zealand team crumbled against the spin attack on Dead-Rubber pitch. New Zealand could barely reach 250 in 50 overs. Indian Spinners conceded 145 runs in 38 overs taking 5 wickets while fast bowlers took 1 wicket in 12 overs giving away 104 runs. That huge margin between spinner and seamers economy can confirm the pitch situation. India, in chase, used their techniques and easily beat out Kiwis. Captain Rohit Sharma scored 76 runs off 83 balls.
Overall, Rachin Ravindra (NZ) was the highest scorer in the team with 263 runs. He also took 3 wickets becoming the ‘Player of the Tournament‘. Matt Henry (NZ) took 10 wickets becoming the highest wicket taker. It is India’s third Champions trophy title.