The Champions Trophy 2025 came to a spectacular close when India defeated New Zealand by an unforgettable four wickets to claim their third championship in the prestigious ODI competition. From the perspective of Indian cricket’s legendary history, Sunday, March 9, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best days ever. The battle was a fierce one between the two sides. However, of the two sides, the Men in Blue were the more clinical and gritty.
Eight long years had passed since the last time the renowned tournament was held. The tournament was, understandably, highly anticipated before it ever started. Cricket fans had some mouth-watering action over the 19-day showcase event, which did not let them down. The story of the tournament will never be the same because of the numerous player performances, teamwork, and crucial match-changing experiences. Let’s examine this:
Top 3 unforgettable moments from Champions Trophy 2025
1. India bury past struggles against New Zealand to gain ultimate glory
In recent years, India has experienced problems when playing New Zealand in ICC knockout stages. The two most recent heartbreaking losses for India against the Kiwis were in the 2019 World Test Championship semi-final and the 2019-21 cycle final. Although India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the league stage, there was much uncertainty before the match as to whether they would win the championship.
India did not let us down that day. They never allowed New Zealand to win the game by a landslide. Having won the toss, New Zealand finished up scoring 251/7 in their 50-over quota. The Indian spinners executed the stranglehold job perfectly. The powerhouses of cricket responded well at first.
India eventually won the match, becoming the first team to win the Champions Trophy three times, despite the fact that they lost two wickets in quick succession twice.
2. Afghanistan knock England out in fine style
Afghanistan, who never really gave up during the match, defeated England by eight runs, and England was eliminated from the competition. After choosing to bat first, the Afghans found themselves in a lot of trouble, battling at 37/3 in the ninth over. But Ibrahim Zadran‘s unworldly 177 runs and crucial 40s from three of Afghanistan’s middle-order batsmen, including captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, propelled the team to a respectable 325 at the conclusion of 50 overs.
However, that was just half the job done. With their all-star batting lineup, the Three Lions could never be eliminated from the match. Throughout the innings, Azmatullah Omarzai & Co. made key breakthroughs. Afghanistan made history by remaining composed until the very end to give England their sixth straight ODI loss, something they had not experienced since September 2009. Joe Root’s heroic century was topped by Omarzai’s five-wicket haul.
3. Glenn Phillips defies gravity. Not once, not twice, but thrice
Glenn Phillips was always known for his athletic ability. Not surprisingly, Phillips’ on-field prowess was evident throughout the just finished competition. Actually, the flying Kiwi’s incredible agility left everyone in awe on three occasions. Three grabs—the one against India (backward point), the one against Pakistan (backward point) and the one against India (short extra cover) in the group stage—are being considered.
Because of the way Phillips jumped off the ground to hold onto the screaming batters, all three batters were left speechless. Ex-cricketers and the cricketing community at large acknowledged the brilliant all-rounder’s incredible efforts, even though the ones against India came in losing causes. The 28-year-old proved with those spectacular catches why he was regarded as one of cricket’s best fielders.
India
