India vs New Zealand LIVE Score: Champions Trophy 2025 Final
The atmosphere at the Dubai International Stadium is electric, with palpable tension as New Zealand tightens the screws on India’s scoring rate. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel are at the crease, adopting a cautious approach, focusing on singles while occasionally breaking the monotony with boundary shots. The crowd, once roaring with excitement, has fallen eerily silent following Rohit Sharma’s unfortunate stumping, a moment that left fans and players alike in disbelief. The Indian captain, who had been looking to accelerate the innings, misjudged a delivery and was left stranded, leaving Iyer and Patel to rebuild the innings.
A Promising Start for India
India’s innings began with a bang as they raced to 100 runs in just 17 overs without losing a wicket. Rohit Sharma, in particular, was in sublime form, smashing a half-century off just 41 balls. His explosive start included a flurry of boundaries, including three sixes that showcased his intent and skill. Shubman Gill, his opening partner, was not as fortunate; he was dropped at mid-wicket, a moment that could have changed the course of the match. Rohit’s aggressive batting set the tone for India’s chase of 252 runs, and the Men in Blue appeared to be on course for a successful run chase.
New Zealand’s Innings: A Mixed Bag
New Zealand, batting first after winning the toss, managed to post a total of 251 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Michael Bracewell, who played a crucial role with his half-century, while Daryl Mitchell also contributed significantly with his own half-century. The Indian bowlers, particularly Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, were instrumental in keeping the New Zealand batting lineup in check, each claiming two wickets and applying pressure throughout the innings.
Despite a slow start, New Zealand found momentum through Bracewell’s aggressive batting, which allowed them to breach the 250-run mark. Mitchell Santner’s run-out, a result of a brilliant fielding effort by Virat Kohli, marked the seventh wicket to fall, showcasing India’s fielding prowess despite earlier lapses.
Bowling Highlights for India
India’s bowling attack was led by Mohammed Shami, who dismissed Daryl Mitchell for 63 runs, while Varun Chakaravarthy’s delivery to clean up Glenn Phillips was a highlight, as Phillips had begun to look dangerous with his 34 runs off 52 balls. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, though not claiming many wickets, played a vital role in restricting runs, creating pressure that led to crucial breakthroughs.
Kuldeep Yadav’s spell was particularly impressive, as he dismissed both Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession, leaving New Zealand struggling at various points during their innings. The Indian spinners effectively spun a web around the Kiwis, making scoring difficult and forcing them into cautious play.
Fielding Frustrations for India
Despite their bowling success, India faced frustrations in the field, with dropped catches proving costly. Shami, in particular, had a forgettable day, dropping two catches, including one of Rachin Ravindra, who capitalized on his luck to score runs. The Indian fielding unit, known for its agility and sharpness, had moments of lapse that could have turned the tide in New Zealand’s favor.
Key Moments and Statistics
As the match progressed, several key moments stood out:
- Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 76 runs off 83 balls, a significant contribution that set the foundation for India’s chase.
- Virat Kohli’s early dismissal for just 1 run added pressure on the middle order.
- Shubman Gill managed 31 runs off 50 balls, contributing to a 100-run partnership with Rohit in just 17 overs.
- New Zealand’s innings saw Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell score vital half-centuries, helping their team reach a competitive total.
Match Context and Historical Significance
This final is particularly significant for India, as they have never beaten New Zealand in an ICC tournament final, having lost twice before in the 2000 Champions Trophy and the 2021 World Test Championship. With the stakes high, the pressure is on the Indian team to break this streak and claim their fifth title.
Playing XIs
India’s Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Mohammed Shami
New Zealand’s Playing XI:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Tom Latham (Wicketkeeper)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (Captain)
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
- Nathan Smith
As the match unfolds, fans are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how the remainder of the innings will play out. With the tension rising and the stakes at an all-time high, both teams are poised for a thrilling finish in this Champions Trophy final.
