India Clinches Third Champions Trophy: Nationwide Celebrations Erupt After Dubai Thriller

India etched its name in cricket history by clinching the ICC Champions Trophy title for a record third time, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This victory solidified India’s dominance in white-ball cricket, adding another prestigious trophy to their illustrious cabinet, which now boasts two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups, and three Champions Trophy titles. With this win, India surpassed Australia to become the most successful team in the tournament’s history, a testament to their consistency and prowess.

Led by captain Rohit Sharma, who scored a match-defining 76, India chased down a challenging 252-run target with six balls to spare. Contributions from Shreyas Iyer (48), KL Rahul (34*), and Hardik Pandya (18) ensured a composed finish, despite tense moments in the chase. New Zealand, powered by half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53), posted a competitive 251/7, but India’s spinners—Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy—stifled their momentum on a turning pitch. Ravindra Jadeja sealed the win with a boundary, sparking celebrations across the nation.

This triumph ended India’s 12-year wait for an ICC ODI title since their 2013 Champions Trophy win under MS Dhoni. Coming just eight months after their 2024 T20 World Cup victory, it underscored India’s resurgence in global cricket. The unbeaten campaign in Dubai, where all their matches were played due to security concerns over traveling to host nation Pakistan, highlighted their adaptability and depth.

Rohit Sharma joined Dhoni as the only Indian captains to win multiple ICC trophies, while he and Virat Kohli became the first Indian players to secure four ICC titles. India’s 2025 Champions Trophy victory is not just a win—it’s a legacy-defining moment in cricket history.