Sports Desk
India Clinches 3rd ICC Champions Trophy defeating New Zealand while chasing a target of 252 runs in the summit clash in Dubai today. India began their chase aggressively, but New Zealand struck back with disciplined bowling. The pitch remains on the slower side, with the ball gripping and stopping, making stroke play challenging.
The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a blistering start, stitching together a 105-run partnership for the first wicket. World No. 1 batter Shubman Gill fought hard for his 31 before Glenn Phillips took a stunning catch at extra cover. Soon after, star batter Virat Kohli was trapped LBW by Michael Bracewell for just one run. Rohit, who got off the blocks quickly, registered his first fifty of the championship but was eventually stumped for 76 after New Zealand built pressure with a series of dot balls.
Earlier, opting to bat in spin-friendly conditions, New Zealand managed to score 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a crucial 63-run knock. Towards the end, Michael Bracewell provided a late flourish with a quickfire, unbeaten 51 off 39 deliveries. For India, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each.
