Dubai, March 2, 2025 – India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. With this win, India finished at the top of Group A and will now face Australia in the semi-finals on Tuesday. New Zealand, despite the loss, has also qualified and will play South Africa in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Lahore.
Varun Chakravarthy and Shreyas Iyer Shine for India
India win was powered by Varun Chakravarthy five-wicket haul (5/41) and Shreyas Iyer steady knock of 79 off 98 balls. Their efforts overshadowed Matt Henry brilliant 5/42 and Kane Williamson’s composed 81 off 120 balls, which kept New Zealand in the fight.
India Struggles and Comeback with the Bat
Batting first, India faced a tough challenge against New Zealand’s bowlers. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill started aggressively, but Gill fell LBW to Matt Henry in the third over. Rohit (15) and Virat Kohli (11) soon followed, with Kohli falling to a spectacular one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips.
At 42/3, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel took charge, adding 98 runs for the fourth wicket. Iyer played a smart innings, while Axar targeted the spinners. However, New Zealand struck back as Rachin Ravindra removed Axar (28), and O’Rourke’s short-ball strategy dismissed Iyer (79).
In the final overs, Hardik Pandya (38) and Ravindra Jadeja (12) tried to push India past 250, but Matt Henry’s excellent bowling restricted India to 249/9 in 50 overs.
New Zealand Chase Falls Short
New Zealand began cautiously, relying on Kane Williamson’s 81 to anchor the innings. However, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Daryl Mitchell (32) and Tom Latham (27) provided some support, but India’s bowlers kept up the pressure.
The game turned in India’s favor when Varun Chakravarthy dismissed key batters, taking 5/41. His sharp bowling ensured New Zealand fell short at 205/9 in 50 overs, giving India a 44-run victory.
Match Summary:
- India: 249/9 in 50 overs (Shreyas Iyer 79, Hardik Pandya 38, Matt Henry 5/42)
- New Zealand: 205/9 in 50 overs (Kane Williamson 81, Daryl Mitchell 32, Varun Chakravarthy 5/41)
- India won by 44 runs
India vs Australia: Semi-Final Showdown
With this win, India remains undefeated in the tournament and will now take on Australia in the semi-final. New Zealand will play South Africa in the other semi-final.
This win boosts India confidence ahead of the knockout stage, and fans can expect an exciting semi-final battle in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
