India emerged victorious in a nail-biting final against New Zealand, clinching its third ICC Champions Trophy title in a dramatic finish. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating the triumph, hailing it as an "exceptional game, exceptional result."
"An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They've played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all-around display," PM Modi posted on X moments after the historic win.
Chasing a target of 252, India started strong with captain Rohit Sharma scoring his first half-century of the tournament. Later, KL Rahul’s unbeaten 34 guided the team to victory with six balls to spare in the final held in Dubai.
With this win, India surpassed Australia’s two titles, adding to their previous triumphs in 2002 and 2013. The world’s top-ranked ODI team remained unbeaten throughout the eight-nation tournament, which was played across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
On a sluggish Dubai pitch that favored spin, New Zealand’s bowlers put India under pressure at 203-5, dismissing key batters Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer (48). However, KL Rahul held his composure, supported by Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, who struck the winning boundary, sending the largely Indian crowd into jubilation.
New Zealand suffered setbacks with the absence of pace spearhead Matt Henry due to a shoulder injury, while captain Kane Williamson was unable to field after scoring just 11, owing to a quad strain.
India played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, having refused to tour hosts Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions.
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