Champions Trophy: Pandya Relishes Victory After 2017 Heartbreak
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Synopsis
Hardik Pandya expressed his satisfaction with India's victory in the Champions Trophy 2023, marking their third title after defeating New Zealand. This win was significant, especially after their runner-up finish in 2017. Pandya celebrated the team's batting depth and resilience, highlighting key contributions from Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.
Key Takeaways
- India secured their third Champions Trophy title.
- Hardik Pandya expressed joy over the victory.
- Key players included Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.
- India became the first team to reach three consecutive finals.
- This win serves as redemption after 2017 disappointment.
Dubai, March 9 (NationPress) After finishing as runners-up in the previous edition in 2017, all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his joy over the Indian team's triumph this time, securing their third Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the final held at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
This victory marked India's third consecutive final appearance in the tournament, making them the first team to achieve such a milestone. During the 2017 Champions Trophy, India fell short of claiming their second consecutive title, losing to their arch-rivals Pakistan in the final.
However, luck smiled upon India this time as Rohit Sharma led the scoring with 76 runs, while Shreyas Iyer (48), KL Rahul (34 not out), and Hardik Pandya (18) made significant contributions to successfully chase down 252 runs.
"Winning an ICC event is always incredible. I vividly remember 2017; I couldn't finish that time. I'm very pleased to have achieved it here. KL was composed and took his chances wisely. He possesses immense talent; no one times the ball as well as he does," said Pandya post-match.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remarked, "That’s how it goes for me; sometimes I’m a hero, sometimes a zero. The pitch wasn’t easy for newcomers. Hardik and KL played excellently. Winning the CT is significant. Failing to win a major tournament after such a long time can be disheartening."
Chasing 252 appeared manageable for India on a pitch that offered minimal turn, yet persistent strikes from New Zealand created tension. After Rohit departed for a dynamic 76 off 83 balls, a sudden nervousness enveloped India's innings. Nevertheless, their remarkable batting depth, despite the relentless efforts of New Zealand's spinners, ensured they crossed the finish line comfortably with an over to spare.
Iyer scored 48 off 62 balls, while Rahul maintained his composure, finishing at 34 not out off 33 balls, securing India’s third Champions Trophy title, previously won in 2002 and 2013, thus affirming their status as the most successful team in the tournament's history, in front of a stadium largely filled with Indian supporters.
This victory comes as a comforting relief for the Indian team and its dedicated fans, following their disappointment in the 2023 ODI World Cup on home turf.
On this sunny day, contrasting half-centuries from all-rounders Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls) and Michael Bracewell (53 not out off 40 balls) propelled New Zealand to a total of 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
