India’s Journey to the Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Road to Glory, Match by Match Analysis

India's road to the 5th ICC Champions Trophy final in 2025 has been a thrilling journey filled with outstanding performances, smart strategies, and relentless determination. From the very first match, the team showcased their skill, teamwork, and fighting spirit, overcoming tough challenges and strong opponents along the way. With a perfect mix of experienced players and young talent, India displayed a well-balanced approach, combining powerful batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding. Every victory brought them closer to the grand finale, proving their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions. Their journey is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and passion for the game, making them one of the strongest contenders for the prestigious trophy.

Well done to India on qualifying for the #ChampionsTrophy Final to be played on March 9 in Dubai. A great team performance against a quality opponent. pic.twitter.com/vPN56hmOj4

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 4, 2025

Group Stage Matches

India vs. Bangladesh (February 20, 2025, Dubai)

India commenced their campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh, batting first, was bowled out for 228 runs in 49.4 overs, with Towhid Hridoy scoring a century (100 runs). Indian pacer Mohammed Shami delivered an outstanding performance, claiming five wickets for 53 runs, becoming the fastest to 200 ODI wickets by balls bowled. In response, India chased down the target in 46.3 overs, led by Shubman Gill's unbeaten 101, securing a six-wicket victory. 

India vs. Pakistan (February 23, 2025, Dubai)

In a high-stakes match against arch-rivals Pakistan, India showcased their dominance. Pakistan, batting first, was bowled out for 241 runs. Virat Kohli's exceptional fielding saw him take two crucial catches, surpassing Mohammad Azharuddin's record for most outfield catches by an Indian in ODIs. Kohli then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 100, guiding India to a six-wicket win in 42.3 overs. 

This century marked his 51st in ODIs and made him the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in 287 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 350 innings. 

READ| List of Records Broken By Virat Kohli

India vs. New Zealand (March 2, 2025, Dubai)

Facing New Zealand in their final group stage match, India opted to bat first and posted a total of 249/9 in 50 overs. New Zealand's Matt Henry delivered an impressive performance, taking five wickets for 42 runs. In reply, New Zealand was bowled out for 204 runs, with Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy claiming a five-wicket haul (5/42). This 44-run victory ensured India topped Group A, setting up a semi-final clash against Australia. 

READ| How New Zealand Reached the Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Match by Match Analysis

Semi-Final: India vs. Australia (March 4, 2025, Dubai)

The semi-final against Australia was a testament to India's resilience and tactical acumen. Australia, batting first, was bowled out for 264 runs in 49.3 overs, with Steve Smith contributing a notable 73 runs. Mohammed Shami was instrumental with the ball, taking three wickets for 48 runs. In pursuit of 265, India faced early challenges but steadied their innings with a crucial 84-run knock from Virat Kohli. Supported by contributions from KL Rahul (36 not out) and Hardik Pandya (28), India chased down the target, winning by four wickets with 11 balls to spare, thereby securing their spot in the final. 

Anticipation for the Final

India's consistent performances have set the stage for an exciting final against New Zealand, scheduled for March 9, 2025, in Dubai. Both teams have showcased exceptional cricket throughout the tournament, and the final promises to be a thrilling contest. 

READ| Most Wickets in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Top Wicket-Taker List