Credit: ICC
This year saw one of the key 50 over ICC tournament being played in the form of Champions Trophy 2025. So there were plenty of One Day matches played this year and we have seen some closely fought entertaining matches. ODI cricket has often been questioned if this format is losing its fans. But this year proved that One Day provides as much joy as any other format. In this article we look at the Best ODI matches of 2025.
1.India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy Final
India winning the Champions Trophy 2025 Final was one of the best moments of the year. New Zealand managed 251 for seven after electing to bat. Rachin Ravindra got off to a good start in the power-play as the Kiwis raced to 69 for one. The southpaw was dismissed by Kuldeep. Indian spinners dominated the middle-overs and squeezed the runs dry. The spin quartet sent in 38 overs and gave away only 144 runs while taking five wickets. New Zealand riding on half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63) and half century from Bracewell managed to get over the 250 mark.
In the chase of 252, Rohit started aggressively and pulled the second ball of the chase from Kyle Jamieson for a six. He kept the run rate going with boundaries and brought out the lap-shot en route his first half-century of the competition. He scored a stroke filled 76. However, three quick wickets, including Rohit’s, saw India go from 105 for no loss to 122 for three. But Shreyas Iyer soaked up the pressure and scored 48 crucial runs before getting dismissed. KL Rahul scored 34 and eased the nerves of a billion fans with another measured knock and Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning runs with a boundary through the leg side. It was jubilation for India who won the Champions Trophy 2025.
2. India vs South Africa, 1st ODI
India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in a dramatic first ODI in Ranchi. Virat Kohli scored a 52nd ODI century, along with fifties from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, to power India to a total of 349/8 in 50 overs. At one point it looked India would cruise past 350 mark but some good death bowling ensured they were restricted on an excellent batting surface.
In the chase, South Africa were reduced to 11/3 early on, as Harshit Rana took two wickets in one over with the new ball. However, stunning knocks from Matthew Breetzke who scored 72, Marco Jansen who made 70 and Corbin Bosch who made 67 ensured that SA were the game right till the end, ultimately getting bowled out for 332. India spinner Kuldeep Yadav finished with four wickets. This was a thrilling match which went down to the wire and it was a memorable one for everyone and the fans.
3.England vs South Africa , 3rd ODI
In overcast conditions, England chose to field and reduced South Africa to 93-3, before Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs started to rebuild. Breetzke made 85 and Stubbs 58.Dewald Brevis’ 42 from only 20 balls lifted South Africa to 330-8. Though Jofra Archer claimed four wickets, The target was 331, and if England managed to chase it would have been highest successful chase in an ODI at Lords.
England lost Jamie Smith to the first ball of the chase and Ben Duckett for a scratchy 14, yet the pursuit was ignited by Bethell’s 58. With Joe Root in superb touch for 61, England were in in the hunt at 143-2. Then both fell in quick time as Bethell cut to point and Root was stumped by a distance, the two wickets falling for the addition of only four runs. From then on, England still were in the chase. Jos Buttler made 61, Brook 33 and Jacks 39. Archer was batting with Saqib Mahmood as England needed 16 from the last over. Archer started the over well but Senuran Muthusamy held his nerve and Archer could not find the six from the final delivery as South Africa won by five runs. This was one of the closely fought game of the year 2025.
