The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy culminated on March 9, with the final match held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. This tournament marked the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy and was co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

Tournament Overview

Eight teams participated, divided into two groups:

• Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand
• Group B: England, Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa

The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals.

Path to the Final

In Group A, Pakistan and India emerged as the top teams, showcasing consistent performances. Group B saw Australia and England advancing, both demonstrating strong form throughout the group stages.

The semi-finals featured intense rivalries:

1. Semi-Final 1: Pakistan vs. England
2. Semi-Final 2: India vs. Australia

Pakistan secured a victory over England, while India triumphed against Australia, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final between the two arch-rivals.

The Final Match

The final on March 9 was a spectacle of cricketing excellence. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Their openers provided a solid start, with Fakhar Zaman scoring a fluent half-century. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a masterful century, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total of 285 runs.

In response, India's chase was bolstered by a resilient innings from Virat Kohli, who notched up a century. However, Pakistan's bowlers maintained pressure, with Shaheen Afridi delivering a crucial spell, claiming key wickets. Despite a valiant effort, India fell short, finishing at 275 runs.

Key Performances

• Babar Azam (Pakistan): His century in the final earned him the Player of the Match award.
• Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): His disciplined bowling, especially in the death overs, was instrumental in restricting India's chase.
• Virat Kohli (India): His century kept India in contention, showcasing his class and determination.

Conclusion

Pakistan's victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final was a testament to their all-round performance and strategic acumen. The tournament as a whole highlighted the competitive spirit of international cricket, with several matches providing thrilling entertainment to fans worldwide.