India Clinches Third Champions Trophy Title in Dubai

On Sunday, India claimed its third Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket win over New Zealand in Dubai. The victory reinforced India’s dominance in white-ball cricket, adding to their T20 World Cup triumph earlier in the year.

India Chase Under Pressure

Chasing 252, India got off to a flying start but stumbled as they lost three wickets for 17 runs. Rohit Sharma set the tone with a rapid 76 before falling, while Virat Kohli managed just one. Shreyas Iyer added 48 before departing, and Axar Patel’s dismissal for 29 left India needing 49 runs from 51 balls.

Hardik Pandya contributed 18 to push India closer, and KL Rahul, remaining unbeaten on 34, guided the team home. Ravindra Jadeja sealed the win with an over to spare. The team’s spinners played a crucial role earlier, restricting New Zealand to 251-7.

Fans Turn Dubai Into a Home Venue

The atmosphere in Dubai was electric, with Indian fans making their presence felt. As the final runs were scored, fireworks lit up the sky, and the players rushed onto the field to celebrate.

Virat Kohli praised the younger players for stepping up, saying, “It’s an amazing feeling, lovely to be playing with such amazing youngsters. So much talent in the dressing room and they’re taking Indian cricket forward in the right direction.”

Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the team’s consistency throughout the tournament. “We’ve played some really good cricket throughout the tournament. To come out here and win it is great,” he said. He also credited the fans for their support, noting, “The crowd has been magnificent. It’s not our home ground but they’ve made it our home ground.”

India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai, rather than traveling to host nation Pakistan, sparked debate. While other teams had to move between venues in Pakistan and the UAE, India remained in one location, benefiting from familiar conditions that suited their spinners.

A New Era of Dominance

Despite criticism over the scheduling, India’s performance left little doubt about their dominance. Former India coach Lalchand Rajput described the victory as the start of a new era. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This is the beginning of our dominance in world cricket. Rohit Sharma played brilliantly and gave India a very good start. Virat Kohli played brilliantly throughout the tournament.”