Summary: In a thrilling final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title, defeating England by five wickets. The match saw high-intensity cricket, dramatic turns, and a vintage performance by Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, who guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 124 off 109 balls.
Batting first, England set a challenging target of 312/7, with Jos Buttler (89 off 65) and Ben Stokes (72 off 84) leading the charge. However, India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3/47) and Mohammed Siraj (2/58), ensured that England couldn’t push beyond 320.
India’s chase started on a shaky note, as openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma fell early. However, Kohli played a masterclass innings, stabilizing the innings alongside KL Rahul (54 off 47). Later, Hardik Pandya’s quick-fire 38 off 22 balls helped accelerate the chase, sealing the win with five balls to spare. Kohli fittingly finished the game with a stylish boundary off Jofra Archer, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest chasers in cricket history.
Kohli’s Legacy Continues
With this match-winning knock, Kohli reaffirmed his place as one of the modern greats. His leadership and batting brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, and he ended the tournament as India’s highest run-scorer.
Speaking after the match, Kohli said, “This win is special. Lord’s has always been a historic venue, and lifting the Champions Trophy here is a dream come true. The team showed immense character, and I’m proud of everyone.”
India’s Bowling Brilliance
Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav played crucial roles in restricting England. Bumrah’s lethal yorkers in the death overs choked England’s scoring, while Kuldeep’s spin (2/58) dismissed key batters, preventing a late surge.
What’s Next for Team India?
This win marks India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history. With the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled later this year, India will look to maintain their winning momentum.
Expert Opinions
Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar praised Kohli’s innings, saying, “This was vintage Virat. He soaked in the pressure, paced his innings beautifully, and finished the game like a true champion.”
England captain Jos Buttler admitted that his team fell short despite a strong start. “We had our moments, but India’s chase was top-class. Kohli was simply outstanding,” he stated.
Final Scorecard:
- England: 312/7 (Jos Buttler 89, Ben Stokes 72; Bumrah 3/47, Kuldeep 2/58)
- India: 316/5 in 49.1 overs (Virat Kohli 124*, KL Rahul 54, Hardik Pandya 38; Jofra Archer 2/61)
India’s emphatic win not only secured another ICC trophy but also reaffirmed their dominance in world cricket. As the team sets its sights on the upcoming T20 World Cup, fans eagerly await another thrilling campaign.
