TOP STORIES
India win the Champions Trophy, clinch a momentous win over New Zealand in final

India pulled off one of the greatest chases to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday in Dubai. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma produced a trademark innings with a breathtaking 76-run knock off 83 to lay the foundation for India’s excellent victory. Amid a vast sea of blue, India stunned the kiwis to claim the fighting victory with six balls to spare. The chase, which saw intense drama and fluctuating fortunes, was a true test of India's determination, as they chased down a challenging target of 252 with six balls to spare, clinching the prestigious title. New Zealand’s determined bowling attack posed serious challenges to India’s chase, with key wickets falling at critical moments. However, the Indian batters showed remarkable composure and grit to seal the victory.
Set 252 for victory, India’s chase began on a positive note as openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a solid start for the chase. Rohit Sharma, in particular, was in fine form, blasting a brisk 76 runs. His knock was crucial in setting the tone for India’s pursuit of the target. Alongside him, Gill played a steady role, contributing 31 runs before he was dismissed by Glenn Phillips, who took a one-handed screamer to remove Gill.
However, the momentum shifted when India lost in-form Virat Kohli for a mere 1 run. The loss of masterclass batsman put India in a precarious position, and the pressure mounted on the middle order to steady the ship. This is where Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) stepped up, steering his side through trouble and rebuild the chase. Both rotated the strike and found the occasional boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking.
After their departure, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya brought calmness to the Indian camp as they shifted gears and applied the pressure back on New Zealand. Pandya belted 18 before being dismissed. But, in the end, it was Rahul's composure that guided India across the line. Rahul remained unbeaten on (34).
Earlier, New Zealand, after winning the toss and deciding to bat, scored 251 with the help of Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell, cracking (63) and (53*) respectively. Their highly skilled batters Kane Williamson, Will Young and Tom Latham failed to perform, losing their wickets for low scores. Indian spinners once again were impressive in their bowling attack, limiting New Zealand to 251-7.
Tags
More News

“If you could have a bit of common sense”: Nasser Hussain, Dinesh Karthik slam match officials for calling early stumps
The fifth and final Test between India and England is set to witness a thrilling finish on day five after bad light and rain forced the match into day five (Monday) at The Oval. As things stand, England need only 35 runs to pull off a memorable win over India to clinch the series 3-1, whereas India only need four wickets to emerge victorious and level the serie...

PCB issues blanket ban on Pakistan's participation in WCL
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a blanket ban on future participation in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). The move comes after the India Champions team withdrew from two matches against Pakistan Champions, including the group stage and the semi‑final, citing political sensitivities, and the tournament organisers...

“That’s something we’ll obviously reflect on after the tour”: Morne Morkel on three-pacer strategy
The fifth and final Test between India and England remains on a knife edge as England need 35 runs and India need four wickets to clinch a stunning win at The Oval. Chasing a huge total of 374, England were assisted by batting stars veteran batter Joe Root and Harry Brook, who both demonstrated...

Fakhar Zaman ruled out of West Indies tour
Pakistan have been dealt an injury blow after one of their most bankable players, Fakhar Zaman, was ruled out of the remainder of the West Indies tour due to a left hamstring strain suffered during the second T20I in Lauderhill. He picked up the injury in the 19th over of West Indies' innings while chasing a ball in the outfield. Following the medical assessment by the tea...

New Zealand’s Nathan Smith ruled out of Zimbabwe Tests
New Zealand’s pace‑bowling all‑rounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second and final Test against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal strain suffered during the first Test in Bulawayo. To fill the all-round void, New Zealand have handed a maiden Test call-up to Zak Foulkes, who was also part of New Zealand’s T20I tri-series ...