India showcased remarkable composure to edge past New Zealand in a nail-biting final, securing their third ICC Champions Trophy title. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations, hailing the team’s performance as "exceptional."

"An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all-around display," PM Modi shared on X moments after the thrilling victory.

Chasing a target of 252, India started strong, with captain Rohit Sharma registering his first half-century of the tournament. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, guiding India to victory with six balls to spare in the final held in Dubai.

With this win, India surpassed Australia’s tally of two Champions Trophy titles, adding to their previous triumphs in 2002 and 2013.

Ranked as the world’s top ODI team, India maintained an unbeaten streak throughout the tournament, which was hosted across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

On a slow Dubai surface that favored spin, New Zealand’s bowlers put India under pressure at 203-5, dismissing key players like Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 48 runs. However, Rahul, along with Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, who struck the winning boundary, ensured India crossed the finish line amid roaring support from an overwhelmingly Indian crowd.

New Zealand suffered setbacks, missing pace bowler Matt Henry due to a shoulder injury. Captain Kane Williamson, who scored 11 runs, was unable to take the field during India’s chase due to a quad strain.

India played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, having opted out of traveling to host nation Pakistan due to political tensions.