India Captures Historic Third ICC Champions Trophy Title in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – India claimed its third ICC Champions Trophy title on March 9, 2025, defeating New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue successfully chased down a target of 252, marking a triumphant return to the top of white-ball cricket after their runner-up finish in 2017.

In a display of composure, India sealed the victory with several overs to spare in a match that highlighted their dominance throughout the tournament. The victory adds to India’s previous wins in 2002, where they shared the title with Sri Lanka, and in 2013 when they defeated England in the final.

The final saw New Zealand post a score of 251, thanks to a solid batting performance, but India’s disciplined bowling and strategic batting ultimately clinched the championship. This win has now placed India above Australia on the list of multi-time Champions Trophy winners, as the Australians had secured the title twice in 2006 and 2009.

India’s journey to the final was marked by an unbeaten run. They demonstrated their skill in the group stage, dominating matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Their knockout victory against Australia set the stage for the final clash.

New Zealand reached the final after performing strongly throughout the tournament, including a high-scoring semi-final match where they scored 362 runs, the highest in Champions Trophy history. However, they were unable to replicate that success against India in the final.

Shubman Gill, a standout performer throughout the tournament, emphasized the team’s determination leading up to the final. He stated, “Every game was about sticking to our basics and focusing on the process. We knew the final would be tough, but we were prepared.”

This edition of the ICC Champions Trophy marked a return to the tournament after a hiatus, with Pakistan serving as hosts in a competition that began its history in 1998 as the ICC Knockout Tournament. Over the years, it evolved into a prestigious event for the top teams in one-day international cricket.

With this latest triumph, India has now established itself as a powerhouse in international cricket, showcasing their skill and resilience on the global stage. The team will now look forward to the next champions, already eyeing their performance in future tournaments.