“Fantastic Four Spin Web Around New Zealand as India March into the Semi Final!”
Dubai, March 2: India secured the top spot in Group A with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting up a high-voltage semi-final clash with Australia.
Defending a target of 250, India’s spin quartet—Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav—dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup, bundling them out for 205 runs in 45.3 overs. Varun Chakravarthy starred with a five-wicket haul, leading India to their third consecutive win in the tournament.
New Zealand Crumble Under Spin Pressure
New Zealand, chasing 250 for victory, struggled against India’s world-class spin attack.
- Will Young (22 off 35) was bowled by Varun Chakravarthy, giving India their first breakthrough.
- Rachin Ravindra (6 off 12) fell to Axar Patel, caught by Hardik Pandya.
- Daryl Mitchell (17), Tom Latham (14), Glenn Phillips (12), Michael Bracewell (2), and Matt Henry (2) failed to convert their starts.
With wickets tumbling, New Zealand’s hopes rested on captain Kane Williamson, who played a fighting knock of 81 off 119 balls. However, Axar Patel got him stumped by KL Rahul, ending New Zealand’s last major resistance.
Mitchell Santner (28) tried to counterattack, but India’s spinners kept things tight. Varun Chakravarthy cleaned up the lower order, dismissing Matt Henry (caught by Virat Kohli) and Ben O’Rourke (bowled by Kuldeep Yadav), sealing New Zealand’s fate at 205 all out.
India’s Hard-Fought 249/9 on a Tough Pitch
Earlier, India posted 249/9 after struggling early on a challenging Dubai surface.
- Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98 balls) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) stitched together a 98-run stand after India slumped to 30/3.
- Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) provided a crucial late flourish.
India’s top order struggled against Matt Henry (5/45), who rattled the Indian lineup early, but Iyer’s resilience and Hardik’s finishing touches ensured a competitive total.
India to Face Australia in Semi-Finals
With this win, India finished on top of Group A, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament. They will now face Australia, who finished second in Group B, in the semi-finals.
With momentum on their side, India will now turn their focus to the semi-final against Australia, aiming to continue their dominance in the Champions Trophy 2025.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India vs New Zealand, IND vs NZ, India Tops Group A, Cricket Semi-Final, India vs Australia, Varun Chakravarthy, Kane Williamson, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya