Champions Trophy final: India’s bowlers lead charge, restrict New Zealand to 251/7

(Web Desk): India’s spinners played a key role as they restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

New Zealand got off to a good start, reaching 50 without losing a wicket. But India’s bowlers struck quickly, taking two wickets in less than three overs. Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37) were the first two to go, both dismissed by Indian spinners. The breakthrough came in the 8th over when Varun Chakaravarthy made the first gain of the match. Two overs later, Kuldeep Yadav got the second wicket in the 11th over.

Kane Williamson came in after Ravindra’s departure but was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav in the 13th over, caught and bowled after scoring just 11 runs off 14 balls. Daryl Mitchell then tried to rebuild but struggled for support as Tom Latham was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja for 14 off 30 balls.

Glenn Phillips then took charge for New Zealand, scoring 34 runs, but Chakaravarthy struck again, dismissing Phillips in the 38th over.

The winner of today’s match will be crowned the Champion of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, a tournament played in both Pakistan and the UAE.

India is aiming for their third Champions Trophy win, having previously won in 2002 and 2013. New Zealand won their only Champions Trophy in 2000, defeating India in the final.

India’s team has remained unchanged since their semi-final win over Australia, with four spinners, including two all-rounders. India refused to tour Pakistan for this tournament due to political tensions, playing all their matches in Dubai.