India entered the final as firm favorites, but New Zealand made them sweat before Rohit Sharma & Co. sealed back-to-back ICC titles. Here are four key moments that decided the game:
Rohit’s PowerPlay Assault
– India’s game plan: Get off to a flyer before NZ spinners came into play.
– Rohit Sharma: Most PowerPlay runs in ODIs since 2023; SR of 122.56.
– Final impact: Smashed 64/0 in 10 overs, tearing into a weakened Kiwi pace attack.
– Against quicks: 8 of his 10 boundaries; NZ pacers leaked 8.33 RPO, Indian pacers 6.92 RPO.
Henry’s Absence Hurts Kiwis
– Matt Henry ruled out (shoulder injury) — Big blow for NZ.
– CT’s highest wicket-taker; 20.8% of his balls were hitting the stumps (2nd highest in the tournament).
– Had tormented India earlier (5-wicket haul in group stage).
– Without him: NZ pacers struggled — Jamieson taken for a six in over 1, Smith leaked 22 in 2 overs, O’Rourke faltered at the death.
Kuldeep’s Double Strike
– Proving a point: Criticised for poor performances in past ICC finals.
– Struck first ball: Rachin Ravindra (37 off 37) bowled with a googly.
– Next over: Kane Williamson (avg 26.20 vs left-arm wrist spin in ODIs) deceived by dip, easy return catch.
– Turned the game: Removed NZ’s semifinal centurions in quick succession.
NZ’s Middle-Over Meltdown
– PowerPlay momentum: 6.90 RPO — then 3.20, 3.40, 3.70 RPO in next three 10-over phases.
– Daryl Mitchell’s slowest ODI fifty (SR 62.37 in 50+ ball innings).
– Missed opportunity: Playing safe vs spin backfired; Mitchell & Phillips fell before accelerating.
– Silver lining: Michael Bracewell’s late counterpunch helped NZ post a competitive total.
