• Source:JND
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India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy Final: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya said that he was delighted to put behind the heartbreaking ICC Champions Trophy 2017 loss after winning the 2025 edition on Sunday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

In a thrilling showdown clash, all-round India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the final to clinch the Champions Trophy title.

Following India's triumph, Pandya remembered that event from 2017 in which the team was defeated in the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan and said the match was close to his heart.

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In the match, Pandya fought single-handedly for India, with a whirlwind 76 runs in 43 balls, while India was chasing a stiff target of 338.

“It's always amazing to win an ICC event, especially the Champions Trophy. I remember 2017 very closely to my heart. We couldn't finish the job that time. Pleased with how we have played everyone throughout the tournament, and how everyone contributed. (On how KL finished the game) Brilliant, calm, composed, took his chances at the right times. I think this is what KL Rahul is. KL Rahul has immense talent, I don't think anyone can hit the ball the way he can. That was an exhibition of how he did today,” said Pandya in the post-match interview.

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Meanwhile, in the 2025 edition, the star all-rounder made a valuable contribution in the final, scoring 18 runs off 18 deliveries, which helped propel India towards victory in the thrilling summit clash.

Throughout the tournament, Pandya had an impressive run, accumulating 99 runs from just four innings, with pivotal knocks against New Zealand and Australia.

Pandya, shone with the ball too, as he claimed four wickets from five matches, with his best being 2/31 from eight overs against Pakistan.