Kiwi heartbreak! India’s spinners dominate as Jadeja delivers the final blow

India cemented their dominance in world cricket with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Ravindra Jadeja’s match-winning shot sent the crowd into a frenzy as India chased down 252 with an over to spare, securing their third Champions Trophy title and reinforcing their position as the top white-ball side.

The match began with New Zealand posting 251-7, a total that always seemed below par on a sluggish Dubai pitch. Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Michael Bracewell (53 off 40) tried to lift the Black Caps, but India’s spinners controlled the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav (2-40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2-45) ensured the scoring never truly accelerated, restricting New Zealand’s options.

India’s chase began with explosive intent. Captain Rohit Sharma (76 off 83) punished the Kiwi pacers, dominating an opening stand of 105 with Shubman Gill. However, New Zealand fought back. Glenn Phillips took a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Gill (31), sparking a collapse that saw India lose three wickets for just 17 runs. Virat Kohli, the master of run chases, fell for a single, trapped lbw by Bracewell, while Rohit was stumped off Rachin Ravindra.

Despite the wobble, Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) stabilised the innings. Their partnership of 61 ensured India stayed on course, even as both batters perished attempting to accelerate. Hardik Pandya (18) brought India closer, but it was KL Rahul’s calm presence (34* off 38) that guided India home. Fittingly, Jadeja flicked the winning runs, sealing India’s triumph and sending New Zealand to their fourth white-ball final defeat since 2015.

India’s spinners had been the difference throughout the tournament, and the final was no exception. After a strong Kiwi start, New Zealand faltered once spin was introduced. Ravindra fell to Kuldeep’s first ball, while Kane Williamson’s laboured 11 ended in a tame return catch. Tom Latham and Phillips also succumbed to spin, leaving New Zealand struggling. Bracewell’s late counterattack added respectability to their total, but it was never enough.

For India, this victory marked another high point in their recent dominance. Having lifted the T20 World Cup last year, this win further solidifies their place at the top. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who may not have continued in the format had they won the 2023 ODI World Cup final, now have another major title to their names. With the next T20 World Cup co-hosted by India in 2026, the rest of the cricketing world must find a way to challenge their supremacy.

New Zealand, on the other hand, must once again deal with heartbreak. Despite their consistency in reaching finals, they remain unable to cross the finish line. Captain Mitchell Santner admitted they were 20 runs short, but also praised his team’s resilience and acknowledged India’s superior performance.

As fireworks lit up the Dubai sky, the celebrations continued among India’s passionate supporters. The only lingering disappointment? The final should have been played in Lahore, had India not refused to travel to Pakistan. Yet, regardless of the venue, India’s dominance remains undisputed. The world of cricket has one pressing question: can anyone stop them?