'Exceptional game, an exceptional result': PM Modi congratulates Team India on Champions Trophy win against New Zealand

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Team India on winning the Champions Trophy title by four wickets against New Zealand in a closely-fought final in Dubai.
"An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all around display," PM Modi said in a post on X.

India Team skipper Rohit Sharma and his deputy Shubman Gill reignited nostalgia by replicating the heroics of batting legends Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, becoming only the third pair to notch a 100-plus opening stand in a Champions Trophy final.

In front of a packed crowd in Dubai, India and New Zealand locked horns for the coveted title on Sunday. New Zealand posted a competitive 251/7, courtesy of a late surge from Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53*).
Chasing the target, Rohit and Gill dominated early on, setting the tone with an explosive 105-run partnership. Rohit took the attacking lead, while Gill balanced aggression with caution, cementing their place in Champions Trophy history.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner took it upon himself to break India's record-shattering opening stand, dismissing Shubman Gill for 31(50) with the help of a stunning one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips.
Rohit Sharma continued to lead the charge, but a flurry of wickets caused India's scoring rate to plummet. As runs dried up, Rohit took matters into his own hands, launching an aggressive counterattack against the Kiwi bowlers.
However, his charge was cut short when he stepped out against Rachin Ravindra, missed his shot, and was stumped for a well-crafted 76(83). His innings, studded with seven fours and three sixes, laid a strong foundation for India's chase.