India's ODIssey to top of the world: Rohit’s men defeat New Zealand by four wickets to win Champions Trophy for third time

India’s bowlers stuck to their guns, attacking the stumps and keeping the batsmen honest. In turn, New Zealand’s finest seem to have got a measure not only of the conditions and opposition but of what was needed in a tournament final. At no time did New Zealand’s batting look under pressure, harried or hurried. It was as though they had mentally set themselves a target of something in the region of 250, and were planning their way there, rather than aiming for 300 and falling well short.

Rachin Ravindra was a treat to watch for his 37 and Daryl Mitchell ensured that the innings was held together with 63. If New Zealand were kept on a tight leash by India’s spinners, with wickets falling just regularly enough to ensure that the game was always within grasp, Michael Bracewell, at No 7, kept New Zealand competitive with a breezy 53.

When New Zealand ended on 251 for 7, they had put enough on the board to be competitive. But, given India’s batting depth, if one person stood tall, the complexion of the game would change rapidly. Rohit Sharma was that beacon of hope. Waiting on the ball and playing it late, addressing pace and spin on merit. At no stage did Rohit believe that he had to do something out of the ordinary and yet when the opportunity presented itself he flayed the ball. The pick up shot over the on side, the full face back down the ground and the rasping back-foot punch through cover were all on display.

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