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India has once again etched its name in the annals of cricket history with a remarkable victory over New Zealand, clinching the ICC Champions Trophy title for the third time. The final match took place at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9, where India emerged victorious by 4 wickets, chasing a target of 252 runs set by New Zealand.

This tournament win follows India’s success in the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking their second consecutive ICC title. The triumph is particularly significant as it is India’s third Champions Trophy victory, having previously won in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013.

The final match was a showcase of strategic partnerships and resilient batting performances. India’s chase was kick-started by a solid 105-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit Sharma, known for his explosive batting style, hit his first fifty of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 41 balls and eventually scoring 76 runs before being dismissed.

Following Sharma’s departure, crucial innings from KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya bolstered India’s run chase. However, it was the partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel that played a pivotal role in steering India towards the target. Their composure under pressure exemplified the depth of India’s batting lineup.

The match concluded in a dramatic fashion with Ravindra Jadeja hitting the winning runs off New Zealand’s fast bowler, Will O’Rourke, in the final over, sealing a memorable victory for India.

This victory not only reflects the team’s skill and determination but also solidifies India’s position as a dominant force in international cricket. With back-to-back ICC titles, India continues to demonstrate its prowess and resilience on the world stage.

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