Dubai: Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand's emerging batting star, secured the Golden Bat for the most runs and was named 'Player of the Tournament' for his outstanding performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Following a remarkable ICC Cricket World Cup in India in 2023, Rachin continued to elevate his status in international cricket, showcasing his potential as a future leader among batters in yet another ICC event.
In four matches, Rachin amassed 263 runs at an impressive average of 65.75 and a strike rate of 106.47, including two centuries—one against Bangladesh during the group stage and another against South Africa in the semifinal. Additionally, he contributed with three vital wickets throughout the tournament. In the final, he scored a brisk 37 runs off 29 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, providing his team with a strong start.
Shreyas Iyer was India's leading run-scorer and the second-highest overall, accumulating 243 runs at an average of 48.60 and a strike rate of 79.41, including two half-centuries. His highest score was 79 against New Zealand in the group stage, and he added a valuable 48 runs in the final, forming a 61-run partnership with Axar Patel.
Ben Duckett from England ranked third in run-scoring, with 227 runs in three matches at an average of 75.66, highlighted by a century and a top score of 165 against arch-rivals Australia.
Joe Root also from England was the fourth-highest run-scorer, amassing 225 runs in three matches at an average of 75.00, featuring a century and a fifty, with his best score being 120 against Afghanistan in a losing effort.
Virat Kohli rounded out the top five, scoring 218 runs at an average of 54.50, including a century and a fifty. His best performance was an unbeaten 100 against Pakistan, complemented by a notable 84 runs against Australia in the semifinals.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first.
New Zealand began their innings strongly, establishing a 57-run partnership between Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29 balls, featuring four fours and a six). However, Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) managed to slow their momentum, leaving New Zealand at 75/3.
A subsequent 57-run collaboration between Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls, including three fours) and Michael Bracewell propelled the Kiwis towards a total exceeding 150 runs. Bracewell contributed significantly with an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, helping New Zealand reach 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
Kuldeep (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) emerged as India's leading wicket-takers, while Mohammed Shami also claimed a wicket but gave away 74 runs in his nine overs.
In response, India started their chase with a solid 105-run partnership between captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (31 off 50 balls, including a six). Despite quick dismissals of Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit (76 off 83 balls, with seven fours and three sixes), India found themselves at 122/3. Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Axar Patel (29 off 40 balls, including a four and a six) then combined for a crucial 61-run partnership.
After Axar was dismissed following the team's crossing of the 200-run threshold, KL Rahul (34* off 33 balls, with a four and a six) and Hardik Pandya (18) ensured India crossed the finish line with six wickets in hand and an over to spare.
For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell (2/28) and Mitchell Santner (2/46) were the standout bowlers.
Rohit Sharma was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his impressive innings of 76 runs.
