India have lifted the Champions Trophy in Dubai but only after KL Rahul dragged them across the line again for a hard-earned, nervy four-wicket victory in the final following an absorbing battle with New Zealand in Dubai.
Just as in the semi-final against Australia on the same ground five days earlier, the finisher Rahul kept his cool and, aided by fellow old stagers Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, steered India to another major title with just one over to spare on Sunday.
Rahul finished 34no as India, chasing New Zealand's 7-251, laboured to get to their target after a blistering 76 by captain Rohit Sharma, in an opening partnership of 105 with Shubman Gill, had initially made it look as if it should be a cakewalk.
