On behalf of the entire NDTV Sports team, thank you for joining us for the Champions Trophy coverage. See you, until next time!

"I want to appreciate everyone who came out and supported us. The crowd here has been magnificent, it is not our home ground but they made it our home ground. The number of people that came here to watch us play, to give them that win was satisfying. Not just this game but right through, our spinners in particular, there's too much expectations when you are playing on a pitch like that. We do understand their strengths and used it to our advantage."

"It has been a good tournament. We had challenges along the way, but we have grown as a group and played some good cricket. We were beaten by a good side who turned up today. Lot of good stuff from our group, guys stepping up at different times and that's all you can ask as a captain. It was good bowling. We lost a couple of wickets after the powerplay. Credit to the way their spinners bowled, all four of them, world class. We were 25 under but we had a total, we tried to fight and that's what we did."

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been declared the Player Of The Tournament. Rachin has been phenomenal in the tournament and also emerged as the top run-scorer with 263 runs in four matches. Apart from this, Rachin also scalped three wickets. 

"When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we've a squad that's ready to take on the world for the next 8 years. Shubman has been outstanding, Shreyas has played some top knocks, KL has finished games and Hardik has been superb with the bat."

"It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and wanted to win a big tournament, so to win the Champions Trophy is amazing. So much talent in the dressing room, they're trying to take their game further and we're just happy to be of help (role of the seniors), sharing our experience and that's what makes this Indian team so strong. These are the things you want to play (for titles), playing under pressure and putting your hand up."

"I do have earrings like Shreyas Iyer (on having earrings), I'll get a new one though. It was a sudden inclusion (on being part of the XI from the league match against New Zealand), I didn't expect to turn out like this, a dream come true. The spin was less in the first innings and I had to be disciplined, just stick to the basics."

"Feeling ecstatic, it’s ineffable, hard to put it into words. It’s my first ICC trophy, I’m out of words looking at everyone. The way everyone has performed, it’s been great. To be honest, I love to play under pressure, I feel like I thrive under pressure. I’ve been getting into such situations and it was great to contribute to the win."

"It's always amazing to win an ICC tournament, especially the Champions Trophy. 2017 was close to my heart. We couldn't finish the job that time. Pleased with how everyone contributed this time. (On how KL finished the game) Brilliant, calm, composed, took his chances at the right times. I think this is what KL Rahul is. KL Rahul has immense talent, I don't think anyone can hit the ball like he can."

"Not sure I can say this on air but I was s****** myself. As confident as I could be that I could get over the line. Keeping composure is all that matters, happy to have done it this time. I've batted in times like this in three out of the five games. Hard to put in words, but the team has pure skill. The way we've all had to play cricket growing up, we faced pressure from the time we became professional cricketers. The BCCI have groomed all of them and we've challenging ourselves to get better."

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2025

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 🇮🇳
India get their hands on a third #ChampionsTrophy title pic.twitter.com/Dl0rSpXIZR

— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025

The celebrations are on at the Dubai International Stadium as India clinched the coveted Champions Trophy 2025 title. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh are seen dancing on the field. The best visual is of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli doing Dandiya with the stumps. A night to remember for all the Indian fans. 

AND THEY HAVE DONE ITTTTTT!!!!!!! India are the new Champions of Champions Trophy. Ravindra Jadeja finishes off the proceedings in style as he hits a terrific boundary off William O'Rourke as India clinched the title. This is India's record-breaking third Champions Trophy title as they earlier won in 2002 (joint winners with Sri Lanka) and 2013. 

Only two overs are remaining and India are seven runs short of their third Champions Trophy title. Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are standing unbeaten at the crease and it looks like a victory for India. However, New Zealand can throw a big surprise. Can they do it?

IND 245/6 (48 overs)

OUT!!! OHH NOO!!! What a twist in the game as Kyle Jamieson dismisses Hardik Pandya for 18. Hardik gets beaten by Jamieson's pace as the ball hits the bat and goes directly up in the air. Within a few second, it lands directly into the hands of Jamieson as India lost their sixth wicket. Now, India need 11 runs in 15 balls to win. 

IND 241/6 (47.3 overs)

WOAHHH!!! The partnership between Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul has proven to be really fruitful for India. The duo is comfortably taking on New Zealand bowlers and in the previous over of William O'Rourke, the duo scores nine runs, which include a boundary from Hardik. India need 12 runs in the last three over to win. 

IND 240/5 (47 overs)

SIX!!!!! Hardik Pandya, You Beauty!!!! On the first delivery of the 46th over, Hardik Pandya hammers a huge six off Rachin Ravindra. Tossed up right in his arc on middle. He extends his arms and sends this sailing straight over the bowler's head for a big maximum. India have almost reached the finishing line. 

IND 226/5 (45.1 overs)

45 overs are up and the nothing can be said right now as both the teams are giving their level best to clinch the victory. In the previous over of William O'Rourke, the duo of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya score eight runs. India now need 32 off 30 balls to win the match. 

IND 220/5 (45 overs)

FOUR!!! KL Rahul hits a brilliant boundary off William O'Rourke as India inch closer towards the victory. O'Rourke delivers a full ball and that too outside off. Rahul patiently waits and then plays a cover drive as the ball dodges the fielder and then races across the boundary line for four. India now need 36 off 35 balls to win the match. 

IND 216/5 (44.1 overs)

Only three runs came off the over and that is the end of Mitchell Santner's bowling. He ends with figures of 2 for 46 in 10 overs. India need 46 runs to win in 42 balls. They are still ahead in this game but New Zealand are only one more wicket away from taking this game in the balance.

41.3 - Axar Patel is out and India are in some sort of trouble here. It was bowler up from Michael Bracewell but Axar failed to time his shot well. He ended up hitting that into the hands of the long-off fielder. "Terrible shot," says former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on-air while reacting to the dismissal.

KL Rahul slammed a six to Mitchell Santner over long-on to keep India ahead in the game. It was a flighted delivery from Santner and KL hit it for a biggie. 11 runs came off the over. That is the end of the 41st over. India need 50 runs to win in 54 balls.

It was in the slot and Axar Patel took up the challenge. He slog-swept the Mitchell Santner delivery over the deep mid-wicket for a six. 

Shreyas Iyer is gone! Rachin Ravindra has taken a superb catch to effect the dismissal on the bowling of Mitchell Santner. The right-handed batetr departs for 48 off 62 balls. India are four down.

Axar Patel has scored the first boundary of his innings after facing 33 deliveries. He has slammed a four on the 34th delivery he faced. It was a short of length ball from William O'Rourke and Axar slapped it past the diving mid-on fielder.

IND 183/3 (38)

36.4 - There was the chance for New Zealand but Kyle Jamison has dropped an easy catch at long-on. Glenn Phillips trapped Iyer with a flighted delivery, but Jamieson failed to take the catch. Big-big moment in the game this is!

36.3 - Wow! That is a superb short from Shreyas for a six. It was in the slot for Iyer and he slog-swept it for a biggie over the deep mid-wicket.

Five runs came off William O'Rourke's over and India now need 86 in 84 balls. This match still looks in their control as the asking rate is slightly above 6 and they have seven wickets in hand. The duo of Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have added 39 runs off 53 balls so far.

Shreyas Iyer tapped the final ball of Glenn Phillips's fourth over on the off side and wanted to take a quick single, but Axar Patel sent him back. Iyer was clearly frustrated for not getting the run. Only two runs came off the over.

A short ball from Glenn Phillips on the pads and Shreyas Iyer takes full advantage of that. He smashed it through the backward square leg for a boundary. Iyer brought out a short-arm jab to fetch a four on that delivery.

India got five singles off the over from Glenn Phillips. This is what they exactly need to do at this stage. They need 111 runs more to win. On the other hand, New Zealand need one more wicket to put India under serious pressure.

IND 141/3 (31)

So this is match is well balanced at the moment. India's scoring rate is 4.59 while they need 5.67 from this point to win. The pitch is slowing down, spinners are getting more and more turn. This means this chase is only going to be tougher for India. New Zealand, on the other hand, just need to keep it tight and stay patient.

IND 133/3 (29)

Shreyas Iyer dances down the track and hit the Michael Bracewell delivery to deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips, the fielder, there put a superb jump, grabbed the ball and threw it before falling at the other end of the rope. However, he touched the boundary cushion before releasing the ball from his hands and hence it was declared a six.

IND 128/3 (27.3)

Huge, huge blow for India this is! Rohit Sharma is out for 76 off 83. India's scoring rate was really poor ever since they lost the second wicket and now the pressure gets better of Rohit. He danced down the track to hit Rachin Ravindra for a biggie but missed it completely and got stumped.

Sheyas Iyer will thank his luck for the fact that the edge didn't carry to Michael Bracewell. He wanted to play the short ball on the leg side but ended up smashing it towards the bowler. The ball bounced right ahead of Bracewell, giving Iyer and India a sigh of relief.

New Zealand have managed to put India's scoring rate in check with the double blow. Rohit Sharma has also slowed down after that. He will focus in taking his innings deep and take India close to victory. India need just one good parnership to take the game away from the Blackcaps. 

A short ball from Mitchell Santner and Shreyas Iyer has hit a pull shot on it for a four. He played the shot towards the cow corner. The ball was in the air but not risky as there was no fielder in the deep. Smart batting from Iyer.

IND 113/2 (20.4)

Big blow for India as star batter Virat Kohli is out on the second delivery he has faced. The ball from Michael Bracewell spun into Kohli and he missed it completely. Got hit on the front foot and umpire raised his finger over the LBW appeal. Kohli reviewed it only to waste one DRS for India.

Oh my GOD!!! That is a terrific catch from Glenn Phillips at extra cover and Shubman Gill will have to depart. He wanted to play it over the fielder, but Phillips put up a terrific jump to take the catch. Gill is out for 31 off 50 balls.

India are well ahead in this game. Rohit Sharma never let the opponent bowlers settle and Shubman Gill also also didn't give them any chance.

A single from Shubman Gill and India race to the 100-run mark in 17 overs. This is supreme dominance from the side. They are chasing 252 and have reached 100 without losing any wicket, that too with a scoring rate close to 6.

15 overs of India's chase are up and Rohit Sharma and co are inching closer towards the victory with every passing over. Rohit and Shubman Gill are forming a great partnership. In the previous over of Mitchell Santner, the duo scores seven runs, which include a boundary from Rohit. 

IND 93/0 (15 overs)

India are comfortable in the run chase of 252 and easily dominating the game against New Zealand. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are forming a great partnership as the Kiwi bowlers are looking completely clueless. In the previous over of Rachin Ravindra, the duo scores 10 runs, which include a brilliant six from Gill. 

IND 86/0 (14 overs)

FIFTY!!!! AND HE HAS DONE IT!!! Rohit Sharma takes a single off Mitchell Santner's delivery and brings up his half-century in style. It is his 58th half-century in the ODIs and first in the ongoing Champions Trophy and he achieves it in just 41 balls. What a brilliant day to hit a half-century. 

IND 65/0 (10.1 overs)

After leaking too many runs, New Zealand suddenly make a good comeback with the ball. In the ninth over, skipper Mitchell Santner leaks only one run while Rachin Ravindra concedes only four runs in the 10th over. They now need to scalp a wicket to bounce back. 

IND 64/0 (10 overs)

WOAHHH!!!! Rohit Sharma is just on another level today. He is not looking back and effortlessly hammering boundaries. In the previous over of Nathan Smith, the India skipper hits two boundaries and a huge maximum as the Kiwi pacer concedes 14 runs. With this, Rohit has breached the 45-run mark and inching closer towards his half-century. 

IND 59/0 (8 overs)

OHH NOOO!!!! New Zealand just miss out on a golden opportunity of getting their first breakthrough of the day. Shubman Gill tries to play down the ground shot off Kyle Jamieson's delivery. However, the bat turns and the shot goes towards the mid-wicket, where Daryl Mitchell leaps to his right with an outstretched hand but the ball does not stick. It was a difficult one but it was a chance. 

IND 40/0 (6.2 overs)

SIX!!! WHAT A SHOT!!! Rohit Sharma is on fire today and this time, Nathan Smith faces the wrath of the India captain. He charges down and gets under this back of a length delivery, swings through the line and gets a good connection as the ball sails 92 meters over long-on. 

IND 37/0 (5.3 overs)

India are having an edge over New Zealand in the first five overs of the chase. Skipper Rohit Sharma is showing no mercy on New Zealand bowlers while Shubman Gill is playing his steady game. So far, Rohit has scored 21 off 20 balls while Gill scored 5 off 10 balls. On the other hand, the Kiwis are desperately eyeing a wicket. 

IND 31/0 (5 overs)

OHH GODD!!!! What is happening??? India skipper Rohit Sharma looks in serious discomfort now. In the fourth over of the day by William O'Rourke, Rohit immediately calls for help. Within few seconds, the team physio comes running towards him and Rohit was seen coughing and doing heavy breathing. The camera then pans towards his wife Ritika Sajdeh, who was looking concerned while watching her husband from the stands. Later, it was confirmed that Rohit accidentally swallowed a bug and was fit to play after a minutes break. 

IND 29/0 (3.3 overs)

India skipper Rohit Sharma is at his absolute best as he is comfortably dealing in boundaries and troubling New Zealand bowlers. In the previous over of William O'Rourke, Rohit hammered two boundaries as the pacer concedes 13 runs. Great going for India. 

IND 22/0 (2 overs)

Team update | Kane Williamson will not field in the second innings of the Champions Trophy final due to a quad strain sustained while batting. Mark Chapman has taken his place in the field. #ChampionsTrophy #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/7wqdIfQEVR

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 9, 2025

OHH NOO!!! Big blow for New Zealand as their star batter and great fielder Kane Williamson has picked up an injury while batting. He suffered a quad strain and will now field for the Kiwis during India's chase. He has now been replaced by Mark Chapman in the field. 

India are off to a good start in the chase of 252 and openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are forming a good partnership. In the first over of the innings, India score 9 runs off Kyle Jamieson. This includes a huge six from Rohit. They will now aim for more boundaries in the upcoming overs. 

IND 9/0 (2 overs)

SIX!!!! What a brilliant start for India in the run chase of 252 as skipper Rohit Sharma unleashes his fury on Kyle Jamieson. Jamieson goes short and Rohit is quick to pounce, he waits for the ball to arrive and uses his wrists to place it backward of square leg for a huge maximum. Rohit and India off the mark in style. 

IND 6/0 (0.2 overs)

Hello and welcome to the second innings of the Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand. In the chase of 252, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have started the proceedings for India. The duo needs to form a solid opening partnership, in order to help India get a comfortable outing in the chase. On the other hand, Kyle Jamieson will be bowling the first over for New Zealand. Let's play!! 

Virat Kohli hugged Ravindra Jadeja when he completed his 10 overs bowling quota today. pic.twitter.com/ydsNMxA05H

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2025

"It was a good wicket compared to the last wicket. It was not turning much. All I could do was stick it into the stump line and wait for the batter to make some mistake. I like bowling in the death and the powerplay, it is more challenging and gives me more opportunity to pick wickets. I like talking to Kuldeep, even Jaddu bhai and Axar, I am pretty new to this set up and am looking to build some nice bonds. It (the right foot) is a little sore. It is a gettable score if we bat well initially."

Most overs of spin bowled by India in an ODI

41.2 vs WI, Indore, 2011

39 vs KEN, Gwalior, 1998

38 vs NZ, Dubai, CT 2025 Final

37.3 vs NZ, Dubai, CT 2025 

229, 242, 265 - These are the 3 totals that have been chased down by India so far in Champions Trophy 2025. The target of 252 today should be attainable today for Rohit Sharma and co. With a batting that goes as far as No. 8, India would be fancying themselves.

7 days ago, India posted 249 in this stadium for New Zealand, and won by 44 runs. Now, India have to chase down 252 to lift the Champions Trophy title for a third time! 

India have won three games in this tournament chasing, and will depend on Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to give them a flying start once again.

New Zealand get past 250! Great final 5 overs, where they added 50 runs. Half-centuries by Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell, and the Kiwis have given their bowlers something to defend here. Overall, though, India would fancy themselves.

NZ 251/7 (50)

Excellent knock by Michael Bracewell. A superb half-century on the big day. Half-century, played with immense composure under pressure. Three 4s, two 6s. 50 off just 39 balls.

NZ 249/7 (49.5)

Great start to the final over by Michael Bracewell! Shami goes for the wide yorker, Bracewell opens the face of the blade and times it to perfection through third man. Ravindra Jadeja gives chase, but can't stop it with his foot.

Bracewell up to 46 then, off just 36 balls.

NZ 243/2 (49.1)

That should be run out! Mitchell Santner plays it towards mid-wicket, comes scrambling back for 2. Good throw from the deep by Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul dislodges the bails. Santner falls short, but the good news for NZ is that Bracewell will be on strike for the last over.

NZ 239/7 (49)

Over mid-wicket for SIX! Michael Bracewell is playing a superb cameo here. 2 fours and 2 sixes. Excellent knock by the left-handed all-rounder here, under pressure. He's taking NZ close to 250 here!

NZ 235/6 (48.2)

Micheal Bracewell picsk up another boundary, but a steady over by Mohammed Shami nonetheless. 250 looks a stiff task from here. 10 comes in this one. Hardik Pandya will bowl the penultimate over of the New Zealand innings.

NZ 228/6 (48)

10-0-40-2! What a spell by Kuldeep Yadav. The humongous wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson in there. Responded to criticism in style, and he's the frontrunner for the 'Player of the Match' award if India win.

NZ 217/6 (47)

Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders now. Can New Zealand get to 250? 3 overs of spin still available to Rohit Sharma - 2 with Axar Patel and 1 with Kuldeep.

NZ 211/4 (46)

Mohammed Shami gets a wicket! You can count on him in an ICC event with your eyes closed. Daryl Mitchell tries to go big again, sends it straight to Rohit Sharma at cover. Good catch by the Indian captain, who jumps well to collect it!

NZ 211/6 (45.4)

New Zealand need a big last 5 overs here, and Daryl Mitchell starts off in style. Short ball by Shami, pulled away with force by Mitchell, towards the mid-wicket region. Next ball, poor throw by Shubman Gill, and NZ complete two runs.

NZ 207/5 (45.2)

Varun Chakravarthy completes his spell. Three of the most impactful games you will ever see. India's trump card, the man that India counted on to deliver crucial wickets. 10-0-44-2 will be his final figures today. Wickets of Will Young and Glenn Phillips today, and more importantly, at important junctures.

Meanwhile, New Zealand bring up their 200!

NZ 201/5 (45)

Ankle issue seems to be out of the way. Varun Chakravarthy is fit enough to bowl his 10th over here. 9 wickets in just three games in this tournament. What an impact he has had! Can he take his tally to 10 with these last six balls?

Micheal Bracewell goes big! Brute force. Short delivery by Shami, Bracewell clears the ropes comfortably. That's a big hit, between the square leg and mid-wicket region. NZ pick up a few more singles and twos in the over, and score 12. Necessary runs for the Kiwis.

NZ 196/5 (44)

5 overs at the very start, Mohammed Shami is now back into the attack after 39 overs. Bowled well in the powerplay, getting swing and nipping a few deliveries back in. 8 wickets so far in the tournament. Shami has regularly got wickets in the final 10 overs in this tournament. Can he do so again?

NZ 186/5 (43.3)

A livid Rohit scolded Kuldeep after that run-out miss. "Why don't you come to the stumps?" said Rohit, rather displeased.

Kuldeep missed the opportunity of run out..
Rohit Sharma: stump pe kyu nhi aata ha tu...??#INDvsNZ | #ChampionsTrophyFinal #ChampionsTrophy2025 #ViratKohli #SSMB29 #TeamIndia #kuldeepyadav #RachinRavindra #VarunChakaravarthy #KaneWilliamson #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/NZAxNZxEE0

— HARSH VARDHAN (@HARSHUPAL590618) March 9, 2025

Important hit for New Zealand. First boundary for Michael Bracewell after coming out to bat. Sweeps hard off Kuldeep, and finds the gap. NZ need many more of these if they want to get a total near 250. 

NZ 184/5 (43)

Half-century for Daryl Mitchell, it has taken him 91 balls. A marathon innings by the right-hander who walked in when New Zealand were in a spot of bother, and has held one end tight throughout. Important for him now to switch gears and provide NZ an explosive finish.

NZ 178/5 (42)

Varun Chakravarthy is receiving some treatment from the physio. Down with an injury. His right ankle is being heavily taped here. 8.3 overs bowled by Chakravarthy today, including two big wickets. 

NZ 176/5 (41.3)

Kuldeep Yadav does not return to the non-striker's end to receive the throw. Big chance missed, as there was a mix-up between the Kiwi batters. Virat Kohli is livid on him. Remember, Kuldeep did the same error a couple of times during the semi-final against Australia, and was given a mouthful by Kohli and Rohit then too.

NZ 174/5 (40.2)

New Zealand need a few explosive hits in the final 10 overs. Ravindra Jadeja completes his spell. 1-30 in 10 overs for the left-arm spinner. If this is final ODI for India, that is an commendable way to end on. Gets a big hug from Virat Kohli.

NZ 172/5 (40)

New Zealand would've really hoped for Phillips to stay at the crease beyond the 40th over. We know how capable he is of hitting the big blows. Varun Chakravarthy providing the decisive breakthroughs. The most in-form spinner in world cricket, without a shadow of doubt.

NZ 165/5 (38)

Varun Chakravarthy STRIKES!  Straight through Glenn Phillips' defence. Big, big wicket and the mystery spinner is now up to 9 wickets in Champions Trophy 2025. Yet another body blow provided by Chakravarthy. What a tournament he's had.

OUT - Glenn Phillips - b Chakravarthy - 34 (52)

NAZ 165/5 (37.5)

The mystery spinner has been reintroduced by Rohit Sharma. 3 overs left for him. Remember, he did pick up the very first wicket, when he got the wicket of Will Young. Can he now break this partnership and put India on the front foot heading into the final 10 overs?

NZ 165/4 (37.3)

Partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips has now lasted nearly 14 overs. Good job by the duo, who have added 53 runs in that period. Phillips has done well to relieve some pressure off Mitchell, and has picked up a few boundaries.

NZ 161/4 (37)

This time Shubman Gill puts down one. Dropped at deep mid-wicket by India's vice-captain. Jadeja is not happy at all. Diving chance, he gets his fingers to it but fails to hold on. Adds another one to the list of catches dropped by India today.

NZ 156/4 (36)

Rohit Sharma, full stretched, tries to catch a shot hit by Mitchell. Gets a hand to it, but fails to hold on. Yet another chance in the field for India, this time falling to the Indian captain. It was a difficult one, to be fair.

NZ 153/4 (35)

New Zealand reach the 150 mark. It has come in 34.3 balls. Comes after a single by Daryl Mitchell off Axar Patel.

NZ 150/4 (34.3)

Two more economical overs, bowled by the two left-arm spinners of Team India. Axar Patel gives 4 runs, before Ravindra Jadeja concedes only two. Pressure still firmly on the New Zealand batting, with 150 yet to come up.

NZ 149/4 (34)

First boundary of Ravindra Jadeja! Glenn Phillips the man once again. Pitched short, at the waist, Phillips turns around and hits it through the gap between fine leg and square leg. Third boundary for Phillips, who is giving somewhat of an acceleration.

NZ 143/4 (32)

Excellent work inside the circle. New Zealand thought of getting a single, but Virat Kohli pounces on the ball, fielding at short cover. Draws out a cheer from the crowd. Axar finishes another tight over, concedes only 3 runs.

NZ 138/4 (31)

Ravindra Jadeja has not conceded a single boundary today. 6 overs of textbook, high quality off-spin. Stump-to-stump, on-point and exquisite. A master at work. Keeps the pressure on, gives away only 4 runs off his sixth over.

30 OVERS DONE! 20 to go for NZ.

NZ 135/4 (30)

Glenn Phillips picks up another boundary. Once again, attacking Kuldeep Yadav. Necessary runs here for the Kiwis to get things going. Six first, and now a four. Phillips has started well here. Couple of boundaries leaked by the chinaman.

NZ 131/4 (29)

5-0-12-1. Ravindra Jadeja has completely squeezed the runs out of New Zealand. Top, top stuff from an experienced customer. A lot of talk about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, you never know if Jadeja will stay till 2027 either. He has performed well with the ball in this tournament.

NZ 126/4 (28)

At long last. A wait of over 80 balls for a boundary ends. Glenn Phillips, clean hit! Down the ground. Big hit off the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav. Can this be the start of NZ's resurrection? 7 comes off the over.

NZ 123/4 (27)

The chokehold on the New Zealand run rate continues. Ravindra Jadeja gives away only 2 runs. 4 really economical overs by the left-arm spinner. Phillips and Mitchell need a move-on quickly. For now, India firmly on the front foot. Can NZ set a target like 250?

NZ 116/4 (26)

Varun Chakravarthy delivered the first blow, and now he continues a really economical spell. New Zealand's run rate is down to 4.56 only. 70 balls since the last boundary for the Black Caps.

NZ 114/4 (25)

The Indian spinners have done the magic once again. Spin of the highest quality. New Zealand in a big spot of bother as it stands, and they need something special here from Mitchell and Phillips to stand a chance of posting a respectable total.

NZ 110/4 (24)

New Zealand's 'Superman' in the field now needs to play a heroic role with the bat. A powerhitter, has a strike rate of nearly 104 in ODIs. But today, perhaps a different role needs to be played by him. New Zealand need a big partnership here.

NZ 108/4 (23.3)

Three reds, and Tom Latham's Champions Trophy 2025 final knock comes to an end. Major disappointment. Jadeja picks up a wicket on the big day. India celebrate, New Zealand under immense pressure now.

OUT - Tom Latham - lbw Jadeja - 14 (30)

NZ 108/4 (23.2)

Jadeja strikes! Finger goes up from the umpire instantly. Tom Latham once again trapped on the pads by Jadeja. This time Latham has gone for a review. This could be a crucial, crucial wicket if New Zealand lose Latham.

NZ 108/3 (23.2)

Another economical over by the mystery spinner. Only 3 runs come off it. 59 balls without a boundary now, for New Zealand. Crucial for them, though, no Latham and Mitchell are still at the crease.

NZ 107/3 (23)

Daryl Mitchell is desperately finding ways to score runs against the Indian spin attack. Pulls out the reverse sweep now, sends it fine. Not good enough for a boundary, though. 2 runs. 55 balls now since the last boundary.

NZ 106/3 (22.2)

India take DRS, but it's not out. Tom Latham trapped on the pads by Ravindra Jadeja. Umpire gave not out, India went upstairs. Looked plumb for a moment, but ball tracking shows it missing the stumps. Latham survives.

NZ 104/3 (22)

New Zealand's run-rate has gone below 5. The high quality India spin attack have completely put the brakes on the Black Caps here. Varun Chakravarthy completes another tidy over. New Zealand have gone 46 balls without a boundary (7.4 overs).

NZ 102/3 (21)

Far slower than the first 50, but a steady rebuilding process being done here by Mitchell and Latham. Ravindra Jadeja bowls an economical first over, however. Only two runs coming off it. 20 overs done!

NZ 101/3 (20)

Four runs off Varun Chakravarthy's 4th over. Tidy stuff yet again, but New Zealand still picking up the few singles and twos. New Zealand now one run away from 100. Mitchell batting at a strike rate of exactly 50. 

Ravindra Jadeja now handed the ball! First over in the final for him.

NZ 99/3 (19)

Mitchell and Latham playing it very safe at the moment. Picking up the singles a little quicker now, and that would help New Zealand keep the run rate ticking. 28 balls, though, since the last boundary.

Rohit Sharma on the attack. Brings in Varun Chakravarthy again.

NZ 95/3 (18)

Daryl Mitchell goes for a quick single, but a direct hit from short square leg by Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Has he made his ground in time? Replays show yes. Good fielding, nonetheless. New Zealand must watch out for these moments.

NZ 94/3 (17.4)

Mitchell plays it cleverly, towards fine leg, with a scoop shot on the final ball of the over. Allows the batters to run two. NZ get 5 off Kuldeep's over. 4-0-13-2 is how Kuldeep's figures read at the moment. Excellent, excellent stuff on the whole by the chinaman.

NZ 90/3 (17)

Axar Patel keeps it tidy once again. Miserly. Being the perfect foil to Kuldeep Yadav here, New Zealand struggling to score runs quickly now. Mitchell batting at a strike rate of under 40, and blocking out the overs.

NZ 85/3 (16)

Play resumes after the drinks break. Axar Patel to continue from one end, bowling to Daryl Mitchell. Axar has been one of India's unsung heroes in this tournament. Putting the pressure in the middle overs with the ball, batting at crucial stages too.

We take a pause, as it is time for drinks. India engage in a huddle, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma appearing very vocal. Key highlights so far:

- Superb start by Rachin Ravindra

- Two catches dropped by India

- Chakravarthy strikes, dismissing Young

- Kuldeep double blow, gets Ravindra and Williamson

Kuldeep Yadav with another top over. Only 2 runs off it. Keeps the pressure firmly on the new Kiwi batters. Can New Zealand pluck themselves out of this hole? A lot lies on these two batters, who must bat till at least the 30th over, one would think.

NZ 83/3 (15)

A left-hand, right-hand combo at the crease for New Zealand now. Two veteran batters out there with immense pedigree in the New Zealand black. Now is their time to step up and really make their experience count. Kuldeep Yadav to continue, meanwhile.

NZ 82/3 (14.2)

First boundary for Daryl Mitchell. Welcome 4 for New Zealand, after the pressure put on in recent overs. Goes the aerial route with the sweep shot, picks out the gap at mid-wicket, claims 4. Good shot, smart shot.

NZ 81/3 (13.2)

What a game to turn up on. At what a moment. Under what pressure. Kuldeep Yadav has had two overs of his life here that he will never, ever forget. And look at the names - Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. It does not get bigger than this.

NZ 77/3 (13)

WICKET NO. 2 KULDEEP YADAV! Simple caught and bowled. Kane Williamson has to depart! Tries to play it towards the leg-side, gets a thick edge and gives it straight back to the chinaman bowler to complete an easy catch. India on top now!

OUT - Kane Williamson - c&b Kuldeep - 11 (14)

NZ 75/3 (12.2)

Just 2 runs off Axar Patel's first over. Front foot defence there by Mitchell, for the most part. India will now hope to bring New Zealand's run-rate down, and increase the pressure. Still going at 6.25 an over, though.

NZ 75/2 (12)

4 runs but the massive, massive wicket of Rachin Ravindra. Kuldeep Yadav came under criticism after a poor show against Australia, but that is some response to silence the doubters. India are back in the game.

Axar Patel to now bowl from the other end.

NZ 73/2 (11)

India have now removed both openers. Crucial, crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra. The reliable Daryl Mitchell is out to bat at No. 4. NZ will be hoping for a big partnership between him and Williamson now.

NZ 71/2 (10.3)

KULDEEP STRIKES! Rachin Ravindra has to go! Clean bowled, first ball! Kuldeep runs off in celebration. What a start by the chinaman. Rachin tries to give himself some room, but the turn does the trick. Knocks over his stumps. Virat Kohli is pumped, gives Kuldeep a charged-up embrace.

OUT - Rachin Ravindra - b Kuldeep - 37 (29)

NZ 69/2 (10.1)

End of the powerplay. New Zealand off to a great start in the final, it must be said. Rachin Ravindra has been the aggressor, but Will Young and Kane Williamson have picked up boundaries as well. India on the back foot.

NZ 69/1 (10)

Varun Chakravarthy continues to cause trouble. Another delightful delivery, tempting Rachin into playing it, turns sharply and misses the edge as KL Rahul collects. One ball that would make you say 'Oooh'!

NZ 64/1 (9.1)

Mostly, a good spell by Mohammed Shami. Some really sharp deliveries, but did leak a few boundaries as well. Could've picked up a wicket, with the big chance coming straight at him when he put down a tough catch to dismiss Rachin Ravindra.

NZ 64/1 (9)

First boundary for Kane Williamson. Superb timing, punched through extra cover. Typical, classic Kane Williamson. Stands on his back foot, and places it through the Indian fielders in the circle. Superb stuff.

NZ 64/1 (8.3)

Kane Williamson is out to bat, and India are going to persist with their lead pacer Mohammed Shami. 5th over of Shami's spell then. India hoping that he can deliver a wicket here before a change to complete spin.

NZ 60/1 (8.2)

Much, much-needed wicket for Team India. Eighth wicket of Champions Trophy 2025 for Varun Chakravarthy. End of a 57-run partnership for New Zealand. India will hope they can put the brakes on the Kiwis now.

NZ 58/1 (8)

OUT! Varun Chakravarthy gets the wicket, at last. Third chance for a wicket in this over, and this time it clicks. WIll Young, LBW. Plumb. The opener doesn't take the review. Varun Chakravarthy has worked his magic yet again.

OUT - Will Young - lbw Varun - 15 (23)

NZ 57/1 (7.5)

No edge at all. Flat line, shows UltraEdge. Big error by the umpire, great review taken by Rachin Ravindra. Next ball, DROPPED! Shreyas Iyer puts it down at deep mid-wicket. Second time he has been put down today. Oh dear, this is not going well for Team India.

NZ 54/0 (7.1)

Varun Chakravarthy, who else? Rachin tries the sweep, doesn't get the timing, and KL Rahul takes a sharp low catch to this right. Rachin has reviewed it instantly, however. Has he got an edge?

NZ 51/0 (7.1)

4 more! 50 up for the Black Caps. It has happened in really quick time. Perfect platform set by Rachin Ravindra and Will Young.

NZ 51/0 (7)

Rachin Ravindra then, dropped on 29 by Shami. Can this prove costly for Team India? Big chance going down. India are on the back foot here, and needed a moment to turn the game in their favour. Third dropped catch by Shami in this tournament. He had put two down against Australia, off his own bowling.

Oh, that's a big, big chance! Shami has let it slip through his fingers. Hit straight back at him by Ravindra, it comes fast, but these are the sort of catches that need to be held in big games.

Shami seems to have hurt his finger too, and points to the dugout. Receiving treatment now.

NZ 47/0 (6.3)

Mohammed Shami is definitely testing the Kiwi openers here. Another sharp inswinger, hits Rachin Ravindra on the pads. Appeal, but umpire shakes his head. Too high, it seems.

NZ 46/0 (6.2)

9 runs come off Varun Chakravarthy's first over. Not the ideal start by the mystery spinner. Remember, he took five wickets against New Zealand in their earlier meeting. But for now, NZ motoring along at nearly 8 runs an over.

NZ 46/0 (6)

The partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Will Young is up to 45. That is the highest opening partnership against India in the Champions Trophy. Brilliant start by the Kiwi openers, and they've sent a clear message to India.

IND 45/0 (5.3)

Rohit Sharma has turned to his trump card, but a poor start by the mystery spinner! Wide, through the leg side, and four. Turns sharply off the pitch, and the flow of runs continue for New Zealand. Can Chakravarthy deliver the wicket?

NZ 43/0 (5.1)

A bit of a strange tactic by Rohit Sharma. No slip in place, and perhaps the reason that Rachin Ravindra got away with a boundary there, through third man.  New Zealand have got off to the perfect start.

IND 37/0 (5)

Rachin Ravindra, pure class! Pitched in full, Rachin uses his wrist magnificently. Flicks it through mid-wicket, exquisite timing. The 25-year-old Indian-origin Kiwi is on fire! 

Next ball, another boundary! Good inswinger by Shami, Rachin gets an edge and a lucky boundary. Rachin has raced up to 24 off 13 balls.

NZ 25/0 (4.3)

Rachin Ravindra looks in superb touch. Goes after Hardik Pandya and picks up another boundary to end the over. Two fours and a six. 16 off the over, and New Zealand now going at more than 6 an over.

NZ 26/0 (4)

BANG! Rachin Ravindra has arrived to the Champions Trophy 2025 final. Pitched short by Hardik Pandya and Rachin Ravindra gave it the treatment. Swung hard, and handsome. Clears mid-wicket, clean 6. Next ball, Rachin times it beautifully through the covers and picks up another boundary. 

NZ 21/0 (3.5)

Another brilliant ball by Mohammed Shami to Will Young in that over. Twice now that the pacer has nearly picked up an edge from the Kiwi opener. Shami looks sharp and up for the big occasion. Only 4 runs from the over.

NZ 10/0 (3)

5 international centuries, all in ICC tournaments. Rachin Ravindra is only 25, but he is a man for the big occasion. A man of Indian origin, don't forget. Can he step up and score a big knock again? Gets off the mark with a quick single, playing it to short cover.

NZ 6/0 (2)

As expected, India have handed the new ball to Hardik Pandya from the other end. No trick played by Rohit here by handing it to the one of the spinners. Pandya to Rachin Ravindra, starts off with a wide.

IND 5/0 (1)

New Zealand pick up their first boundary of the game! Well played, square for four. Driven well by Will Young. Picks out the gap with no deep point there. Shami's over ends on runs, but tidy over nevertheless.

NZ 4/0 (1)

Superb start by Mohammed Shami, bowling to Will Young. The pacer has looked better and better as the tournament has gone on, and starts off with a sharp outswinger. 8 wickets in the tournament so far for the 34-year-old.

Rachin Ravindra and Will Young are out to open the batting for New Zealand. Mohammed Shami is expected to take the new ball for India. Will it be Hardik Pandya from the other end? Let's find out.

15 tosses lost in a row in ODI cricket. The chances? A stunning probability of only 0.0000305. Quite incredible, but as Rohit Sharma has said, it may be a good toss to lose. Pressure on New Zealand to set a good total batting first.

The national anthems will take place now. New Zealand first, and then India. On another note, could this be the last time Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play together for India?

We are just 10 minutes away from the start of the game. Grab a popcorn, get some snacks, tune in ladies and gentlemen! It's time for the Champions Trophy 2025 FINAL! India vs New Zealand!

"We're going to have a bat first. Looks like a pretty good wicket, similar to the one we played India here a week ago. Want to get runs on the board and see what happens. Obviously expected a few blue shirts, great atmosphere, great ground. Going to be slightly different from what we got in Pakistan. We saw how India played and what they got out of it. Hope it slows down a bit later. Different guys have stepped up at different times. You want guys firing from the start and we have done that, as have India. Unfortunately Matt Henry has been ruled out, we've got Nathan Smith coming in," said Mitchell Santner after the toss.

"We've been here enough, batted first and bowled first, don't really mind batting second. It hasn't changed much, we've chased and won as well. It does give you a lot of confidence, takes the toss away from the game. At the end of the day, what matters is how well you want to play. That's what we've spoken about in the dressing room, not to worry about the toss and to just play well, that's what we've done and we have to do today as well. New Zealand have been a very good team over the past so many years, they tend to play good cricket in ICC tournaments. The challenge for us is to play well against them now. Same team for us," said India captain Rohit Sharma after the toss.

India XI vs New Zealand:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

New Zealand XI vs India:

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Nathan Smith.

NO CHANGES FOR TEAM INDIA. An unchanged playing XI announced by Rohit Sharma for the big encounter. 4 spinners then yet again - Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

Huge injury concern for New Zealand. Key pacer Matt Henry has not been able to recover in time, and Nathan Smith comes in as a like-for-like change. 10 wickets in 4 games for Henry in this tournament, including a fifer against India in the group stage. BIG LOSS.

New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat first. It is 15 tosses lost in a row in ODI cricket for Team India, 12 in a row for Rohit Sharma. India will have the job of restricting the Black Caps batting, before chasing for the 4th time in five games.

We are just moments away from toss time. Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner are heading towards the pitch. Will it be 15 tosses lost in a row for Team India in ODIs, 12 in a row for Rohit?

We are less than 10 minutes away from the toss for the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy final. Given the playing conditions in Dubai across the two innings, the toss will play a crucial role in today's summit clash.

To clear the fear of many Indian fans, Virat Kohli is out practising just ahead of the toss time. Massive cheers from the crowd in Dubai as he walks out. He had suffered a minor knee injury during practice on Saturday, but seems to be fine. Major boost for Team India.

We are 25 minutes away from toss time in the final in Dubai. Will Team India make it 15 tosses lost in a row? It hasn't affected their form so far, with Rohit saying that it is better to lose the toss, in order to avoid making a 50-50 call.

New Zealand have arguably the best fielder in world cricket - Glenn Phillips. The 'Superman' at point as already taken two one-handed stunners in Champions Trophy 2025, including one to dismiss Virat Kohli during the Group A game!

Take a look at the pitch for the Champions Trophy 2025 final. Loads of cracks evident, and should be a treat for the spinners.

PITCH FOR THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL pic.twitter.com/pbm1vlvtJ6

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2025

New Zealand having a big concern, however. Pacer Matt Henry has taken 10 wickets, but injured himself trying to take a catch in the semi-final. Visuals show us that his arm is heavily padded. Will be interesting to see if he is fit to make the final XI.

New Zealand's only white-ball ICC title came in a repeat of today's clash 25 years ago. Riding on a stunning century by Chris Cairns, New Zealand beat India in a nail-biter in the 2000 Champions Trophy final (then known as the ICC KnockOut Cup). 

Can India get revenge today? 

Cometh the big games, Virat Kohli has stood tall once again in the ODI format. A stunning century against Pakistan, and a brilliant 84 against Australia in the semi-final. However, a small injury concern looms over him just ahead of the final. The 36-year-old suffered a minor knee hit in practice, but is still expected to be fit to play.

India are eyeing for their seventh ICC title today. 2 ODI World Cups (1983, 2011), 2 T20 World Cups (2007, 2024) and 2 Champions Trophies (2002, 2013) so far. This could be the first instance that India win a major event for the third time.

Team India have lost 14 tosses in a row in ODI cricket, with Rohit Sharma losing 11 in a row. Rohit is one lost toss away from equalling Brian Lara's unwanted record of 12. It has not affected India's performance so far, but will it bite them this time?