India secured their second Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by six wickets, powered by a strong bowling performance and key partnerships. However, allegations of scheduling bias have surfaced, prompting mixed reactions from former players. The tournament reaffirmed India’s position as a dominant force in white-ball cricket, despite the challenges faced by their opponents.
A former Pakistani cricket star recently criticized India’s Champions Trophy victory, which saw them defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the final. This marks India’s second triumph in the Champions Trophy, aided significantly by their spin quartet’s impressive performance, taking 5 wickets for 144 runs to limit New Zealand to a score of 251-7. Michael Bracewell provided late-game momentum, scoring 53 not out.
India’s innings began with a strong opening partnership of 105 runs between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Although India faced a brief collapse, losing three wickets quickly, they successfully chased down the target with six wickets remaining and six balls to spare. Following this win, India has established itself as a leading white-ball team, having also claimed victory in the recent T20 World Cup.
Despite their triumphs, India has faced allegations regarding bias in the Champions Trophy. Owing to geopolitical tensions with Pakistan, India was able to play all their matches in Dubai, enjoying the benefits of a familiar setting without the challenges of travel. This circumstance led to concerns about the fairness of the logistics surrounding the tournament.
Former Pakistan bowler Junaid Khan remarked on these scheduling concerns with a post on X, implying that success may sometimes arise from advantageous conditions rather than purely from skill. Conversely, former player Shoaib Akhtar congratulated India, stating, “The best team to emerge in ICC tournaments in the last 10 years is India.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma commended his team’s performance, emphasizing the supportive atmosphere created by the Dubai crowd, which felt like a home ground despite not being one. He noted the quality of cricket played throughout the tournament as a factor in their victory. Superstar batter Virat Kohli, who missed the final, expressed pride in his young teammates, acknowledging their pivotal role in propelling Indian cricket forward.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner conceded that the better team triumphed, acknowledging his team’s shortcomings in the final. He noted, “We played some good cricket but we fell short to a better team. Credit to how they played, they’re world-class spin bowlers.” Overall, the tournament showcased impressive performances and highlighted both the strengths and challenges faced by the competing teams.
In summary, India’s recent Champions Trophy victory has reaffirmed their dominance in white-ball cricket, highlighted by pivotal performances from their spin bowlers and top-order batsmen. However, the context of their win, influenced by scheduling advantages, has drawn criticism from former players. Noteworthy remarks from both India and New Zealand captains and legends reflect the competitive spirit of the tournament, illustrating the ongoing evolution of cricket on the international stage.
Original Source: metro.co.uk
