Key Points:
- Bowling Performance: India’s spinners outshone their fast bowlers, taking 5 wickets for 144 runs in 38 overs.
- Fast Bowlers’ Struggle: Indian fast bowlers conceded 104 runs in 12 overs, managing only 1 wicket.
- Records Set: India bowled the second-most spin overs in a Champions Trophy innings and set a record for most spin overs in an ICC ODI knockout game.
New Delhi: In the final match of the Champions Trophy 2025, India’s bowling strategy was pivotal in restricting New Zealand to 251 runs. The Indian fast bowlers, however, struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen, conceding 104 runs in just 12 overs at an economy rate of 8.67, managing only one wicket. In contrast, the spinners delivered a masterclass, taking five wickets for 144 runs in 38 overs at an economy rate of 3.79.
Spin Dominance
The spin quartet of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel was instrumental in controlling the game. Kuldeep Yadav was particularly effective, picking up three wickets for 40 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy took two for 45. Jadeja’s economical spell of 1-30 from 10 overs further highlighted the spinners’ impact.
Unwanted Records for Fast Bowlers
Mohammed Shami’s performance was notable for the wrong reasons, as he conceded 74 runs in nine overs, the second-most by an Indian bowler in a Champions Trophy match, behind only Umesh Yadav’s 75 runs against South Africa in 2013.
Historic Spin-Bowling Feats
India’s spinners set multiple records in the final. They bowled the second-most spin overs in a Champions Trophy innings with 38 overs, behind Sri Lanka’s 39.4 overs against Australia in 2002. This performance also marked the most spin overs bowled by India in an ICC ODI knockout game, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 37 overs in the 1996 World Cup Final.
Chase and Victory
Despite the challenges posed by the fast bowlers’ performance, India’s batsmen successfully chased down the target of 251 runs, securing their third Champions Trophy title. The victory was built on a strong foundation laid by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who provided a solid start with a 105-run partnership.
