India edge NZ in thrilling Champions Trophy final

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.But another unbelievable diving catch from the Superman-in-black Glenn Phillips sent Gill packing and New Zealand just wouldn’t go away, inspired by Michael Bracewell’s terrific all-round performance, nabbing wickets every time it seemed India must be in control.Yet after Shreyas Iyer fell for 48, it ended up coming down to old heads Pandya (18 off 18) and Jadeja (9no off 6) to help Rahul win the day.”I don’t think I can say this on camera but I was s***ting myself at the end,” smiled Rahul in a pitchside interview. “In moments like this in big games, it’s all about holding your composure. It’s not easy but, yeah, happy to get across the line this time.”