Introduction
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India vs New Zealand was a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. While India national cricket team emerged victorious, one player from New Zealand cricket team stood out with an extraordinary performance—Michael Bracewell.
Despite New Zealand vs India live match ending in a four-wicket loss for the Kiwis, Bracewell’s stunning 53 off 40 balls* gave his team a fighting chance. His late-innings heroics helped New Zealand reach a respectable total of 251/7, but it wasn’t enough to stop Rohit Sharma’s India from claiming their third ICC Champions Trophy title.
Let’s take a deep dive into Michael Bracewell’s match-defining knock, his impact on the New Zealand national cricket team, and why his efforts, though spectacular, were ultimately not enough to secure victory.
Michael Bracewell’s Impactful Innings: A One-Man Rescue Mission
New Zealand’s Struggles Before Bracewell Stepped Up
The New Zealand cricket team started well, with Rachin Ravindra and Will Young putting up a 57-run opening stand. However, the middle order crumbled under the pressure of India’s spin duo—Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
By the 35th over, New Zealand was struggling at 178/6, with key batters like Kane Williamson (18), Glenn Phillips (21), and Tom Latham (12) failing to convert starts. With just 15 overs left, the team looked set for a below-par total.
Enter Michael Bracewell, the man who changed the tempo of the innings.
How Michael Bracewell Took Charge in the Final Overs
1. Controlled Aggression in the Middle Overs
- After Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) was dismissed, New Zealand needed a finisher.
- Bracewell played with calculated aggression, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.
2. Counter-Attack Against Indian Spinners
- Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were spinning a web around New Zealand’s middle order, but Bracewell swept and reverse-swept with confidence.
- He forced India to bring back their pacers early.
3. Explosive Finish in the Death Overs
- In the final five overs, Bracewell smashed 38 runs, including three boundaries and two sixes.
- He single-handedly took New Zealand past the 250-run mark, ensuring they had something to bowl at.
His final score of 53 off 40 balls* was one of the best lower-order performances in an ICC final.
Why Michael Bracewell’s Heroics Weren’t Enough
Despite Bracewell’s late surge, New Zealand’s total of 251/7 was 20-30 runs short of what they needed to put India under real pressure. Here’s why:
1. India’s Solid Start in the Chase
- Rohit Sharma (76 off 55) and Shubman Gill (37 off 42) gave India a flying start.
- By the time Bracewell bowled, India was already well ahead of the required rate.
2. New Zealand’s Spin Attack Didn’t Deliver
- While Bracewell took one crucial wicket, Santner and Ravindra were ineffective, allowing India’s middle order to settle.
3. India Had More Experience in High-Pressure Games
- Shreyas Iyer (48) and KL Rahul (34 not out)* ensured India didn’t collapse under pressure, a quality that New Zealand lacked in the middle order.
Despite his efforts, Bracewell alone couldn’t change the outcome. Cricket is a team sport, and New Zealand fell short as a unit.
What This Means for Michael Bracewell’s Future
1. New Zealand’s Next Cricketing Star?
- Michael Bracewell’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final proves he is a reliable all-rounder and a potential future leader.
- His ability to handle pressure, score quickly, and bowl crucial overs makes him a key player for New Zealand in future ICC tournaments.
2. Likely to Become a Regular in All Formats
- His batting in crisis situations and his off-spin bowling make him a strong candidate for New Zealand’s ODI, T20I, and Test squads.
- With Kane Williamson and Tim Southee nearing the end of their careers, Bracewell is likely to be one of the main players in New Zealand’s future ICC campaigns.
3. Could Be a Future Captain?
- His composure under pressure and leadership qualities could make him a captaincy candidate for New Zealand in the coming years.
Key Takeaways from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
1. Michael Bracewell’s Innings: A Lone Battle
- His 53 off 40 balls* kept New Zealand in the game, but he needed more support from the top order.
2. India’s Experience Proved Crucial
- The likes of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer handled the chase like seasoned professionals.
3. New Zealand’s Spin Department Needs Improvement
- The Kiwis relied too much on Bracewell and Santner, but they failed to break India’s partnerships early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many runs did Michael Bracewell score in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?
Michael Bracewell scored an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls*, helping New Zealand post 251/7.
2. Why was Michael Bracewell’s knock important in the final?
Bracewell came in when New Zealand was struggling and played a match-saving innings, ensuring they reached a competitive total.
3. Did Michael Bracewell take any wickets in the final?
Yes, he took one crucial wicket, dismissing Shubman Gill.
4. How did India manage to chase 252 despite Bracewell’s efforts?
India’s top order fired early, and Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul held their nerve to guide India home.
5. What’s next for Michael Bracewell in international cricket?
Bracewell’s performance solidifies his place in New Zealand’s squad, and he could be a future leader for the team.
Conclusion: A Heroic Effort That Fell Short
The India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will always be remembered for Michael Bracewell’s incredible fightback. However, cricket is a team game, and despite his heroics, New Zealand failed to cross the finishing line.
This final was a learning experience for the New Zealand national cricket team, and with players like Bracewell, their future in world cricket remains bright. But on this night, it was India who celebrated, lifting their third ICC Champions Trophy title.
As for Michael Bracewell, his courage, skills, and determination in this final have ensured that he is here to stay as a future star in world cricket! 🚀🏏
