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India star all-rounder Hardik Pandya lauds wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul for his unbeaten 34-run win against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. After finishing as last edition's finalists in 2017, Hardik Pandya said that he is happy as the Men in Blue emerged as the winner this time to lift their third Champions Trophy title after a four-wicket win over New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium.
It was India's third consecutive final in the history of the tournament. Team India becomes the first team to achieve this feat. In the 2017 Champions Trophy, India missed out on winning their second consecutive title as they fell short against arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. This was India's third Champions Trophy win, which is the most by any team.
"Always amazing to win an ICC event. I remember 2017 very closely; I couldn't finish that time. Very pleased to have done it here. KL was calm, he took his chances at the right time. He has immense talent; no one can time it as well as him," Pandya said after the match.
Rohit Sharma was the highest run-getter in the finale with 76 while Shreyas Iyer (48), KL Rahul (34 not out), and Hardik Pandya (18) chipped in with important contributions to take the side over the line in the chase of 252.
Brief scores:
New Zealand: 251/7 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53 not out, Rachin Ravindra 37; Kuldeep Yadav 2/40, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/45.
India: 254/6 in 49 overs (Rohit Sharma 76, Shreyas Iyer 48; Mitchell Santner 2/46, Michael Bracewell 2/28).
