Champions Trophy 2025: Knockout Kings — How India Held Their Nerve in the Semis & Final

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy culminated in a thrilling knockout phase, with India showcasing immense skill, composure, and tactical brilliance. In this detailed recap, we explore how the Men in Blue held their nerve under pressure to claim the coveted title.

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Table of Contents

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1. Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal Showdown: India vs Australia

The semifinal clash between India and Australia was a tense, high-stakes battle between two cricketing giants. Australia, batting first, set a competitive total of 265 runs, but India’s well-rounded bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya, ensured key breakthroughs to limit the damage.

Tactically, India demonstrated sharp field placements and proactive bowling changes, especially during the middle overs to stall Australia’s momentum. In the chase, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 84 off 98 balls*, supported by steady partnerships from Gill and Rahul. India sealed the victory in 48.1 overs, winning by 4 wickets, and booked their spot in the final with a composed, pressure-handling performance that reflected their tournament maturity.

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2. Key Performers: Batting Brilliance Under Pressure

India’s batting lineup demonstrated poise and flair in crunch moments. Shubman Gill was the backbone in the semis, crafting a mature innings under pressure. Virat Kohli followed suit with his trademark aggressive strokes, breaking partnerships and accelerating the chase.

Their partnership was pivotal, stabilizing the innings and guiding India toward victory. This performance highlighted India’s ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to challenging match situations.

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3. Spin Magic: Kuldeep Yadav’s Impact

Kuldeep Yadav was the standout spinner in India’s knockout campaign. His wrist-spin, combined with sharp variations, dismantled opposition batting lineups. Kuldeep’s key wickets in the semifinal set the tone, breaking critical partnerships.

In the final, his tight bowling stifled Australia’s middle order, preventing any momentum shift. Kuldeep’s ability to read batsmen and execute variations made him an invaluable asset.

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4. Death Bowling: Pandya’s Finishing Touches

Hardik Pandya’s role as the death bowler was instrumental. His accuracy and nerve under pressure allowed India to choke runs and take wickets in the final overs. Pandya’s economical spells in the semifinals and final disrupted opposition plans.

With a combination of pace and clever slower balls, he consistently kept batsmen guessing. His key wickets in the final stages of both knockout matches underscored his importance.

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5. Final Clash: India vs New Zealand

In the Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9, held in Dubai, New Zealand batted first, posting a total of 251/7 in 50 overs, anchored by a pivotal 67 from Michael Bracewell. In response, India chased the target in 49 overs, clinching a 4-wicket victory and maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the tournament.

India’s success was built around a sterling 105‑run opening stand between Rohit Sharma (76 off 83) and Shubman Gill (58 off 72). Later innings contributions included Shreyas Iyer’s 48 off 62, Hardik Pandya’s 18 off 18, and a finishing 34 from KL Rahul.

The bowling was led by India’s all-spin attack. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40), Varun Chakravarthy (2/45), and Ravindra Jadeja (1/30) shared 5 of 7 wickets, bowling 38 overs of spin to suppress NZ’s middle overs.

Rohit Sharma earned Player of the Match for his influential innings, while India’s fielding sparkled in clutch moments—KL Rahul executed a key stumping, and sharp boundary saves applied early pressure .

This collective performance, with strong opening partnerships, spin control, and finishing batting, secured India’s third Champions Trophy title, matching Australia’s record and underscoring their dominance in ICC white-ball cricket

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6. Nerves of Steel: Handling Pressure Moments

The hallmark of India’s success was their mental toughness. Time and again, the team handled pressure situations with composure. Whether chasing a tricky target or defending tight scores, Indian players remained calm.

Leadership from the captain and senior players instilled confidence, ensuring no panic or rash decisions during crunch moments.

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7. Fielding Excellence: Saving Runs, Taking Chances

India’s fielding was exceptional in the knockout phase. Sharp catches, brilliant run-outs, and saved boundaries kept the pressure on opponents. The fielders’ athleticism and alertness added an extra dimension to India’s overall performance.

These moments made the difference in close encounters, swinging momentum India’s way.

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8. Lessons Learned: What Made India Champions

India’s triumph was a result of several key factors: solid planning, execution of game plans, adaptability, and collective teamwork. The ability to perform under pressure, combined with individual brilliance, was the cornerstone.

This victory reinforced India’s status as a powerhouse in ICC tournaments and offered valuable lessons for future contests.

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9. Conclusion

India’s journey through the 2025 Champions Trophy knockout stage was marked by resilience, skill, and tactical genius. From the semifinal tension to the final’s high stakes, India’s players rose magnificently — truly earning the title of Knockout Kings.

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Missed the Group Stage Drama?

Before India’s knockout heroics, the Champions Trophy 2025 group stage was packed with upsets, last-over thrillers, and record-breaking performances. From Afghanistan’s historic win to Ibrahim Zadran’s stunning 177-run knock, we covered it all!

👉 Catch up on every unforgettable moment from the group stage here

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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the result and margin of victory in the semifinal (India vs Australia)?

A: India beat Australia by 4 wickets, successfully chasing a target of 265 in 48.1 overs.

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2. Who was the top scorer for India in the semifinal?

A: Virat Kohli led the chase with a crucial 84 off 98 balls*, anchoring India’s innings under pressure .

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3. How many wickets did Kuldeep Yadav take in the final?

A: Kuldeep grabbed 2 wickets for 40 runs in the final against New Zealand, playing a vital role in restricting them to 251/7 .

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4. What was the final match result between India and New Zealand?

A: India won the final by 4 wickets, chasing down a target of 252 in 49 overs, with Rohit Sharma scoring 76 and being named Player of the Match .

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5. How many overs of spin were bowled in the final?

A: India bowled 38 overs of spin during the final—a record-setting effort, second only to Sri Lanka’s 39.4 in a 2002 semifinal . .

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6. How did the spin attack influence the final match?

A: Spinners (Kuldeep, Chakravarthy, Jadeja, Axar) collectively dominated, helping India defend by restricting New Zealand to 251. Captain Rohit praised them post-match .

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7. What was India’s unbeaten streak in ICC tournaments including this Champions Trophy?

A: With the 2025 win, India recorded 23 wins in 24 ICC white-ball matches, including the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup .

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8. What was Rohit Sharma’s strike during the final’s powerplay?

A: Rohit scored 76 off 83 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, guiding a strong start in the powerplay. Rohit Sharma became the first captain in Champions Trophy history to be awarded the Player of the Match in a final.

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9. How often had India won all their matches while lifting the Champions Trophy?

A: In 2025, India became the first team to go undefeated in Champions Trophy history (5–0) .

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10. Who were the top spin wicket-takers in the final?

A: Indian spinners took 5 of the 6 New Zealand wickets: Varun Chakravarthy (2/45), Kuldeep Yadav (2/40), and Ravindra Jadeja (1/30).

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11. How many Champions Trophy titles has India won?

A: India has won the Champions Trophy three times — in 2002 (joint winners with Sri Lanka), 2013 (outright winners), and 2025, making them one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.