Black Caps Captain Admits India Controlled the Middle Overs Better on a Sluggish Dubai Pitch
Dubai, March 3: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that his team struggled to adapt to the slower wicket in Dubai, as India’s spinners dictated the game and choked New Zealand’s batting lineup during their 44-run loss in the final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Despite a gritty 81-run knock by Kane Williamson, the Kiwis succumbed to India’s well-executed spin attack led by Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. With this victory, India completed the group stage unbeaten (3 wins in 3 matches) and will now face Australia in the semi-finals on March 4 in Dubai.
Santner Acknowledges India’s Spin Dominance
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Santner acknowledged that the wicket was much slower than what New Zealand had experienced in the Pakistan leg of the tournament, making stroke-making difficult.
“It was a slower wicket than what we have come against. We knew that going in. India controlled the middle phase better,” Santner admitted.
He also praised Shreyas Iyer’s crucial knock and lauded India’s spin attack for creating pressure on their batters.
“The key for us was getting wickets in the powerplay, and that was good to see. But India’s spinners really squeezed us in the middle overs,” he added.
Looking ahead to New Zealand’s next match, a semi-final against South Africa in Lahore, Santner highlighted the importance of pace and bounce in Lahore’s conditions.
“Our next game is in Lahore against South Africa, where (Matt) Henry will be massive. They have four quality pacers, so we will have to see how we play them. We have to wait and see if it is a used or a fresh surface,” Santner said.
Match Recap: India Overcomes Early Collapse to Set 250-Run Target
- India’s top order faltered early, slumping to 30/3 after New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first.
- Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42) rebuilt the innings with a 98-run stand, stabilizing India’s innings.
- KL Rahul (23) and Ravindra Jadeja (16) chipped in, but India was in trouble at 182/6.
- Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 45 off 45 balls provided a late boost, helping India post 249/9 in 50 overs.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry was the standout bowler, picking up 5/42 in eight overs, troubling India’s batters with his pace and accuracy.
Varun Chakravarthy Spins a Web, New Zealand All Out for 205
Chasing 250, New Zealand never quite found momentum, as India’s “Fantastic Four” spin attack kept them under pressure.
- Will Young (22) was bowled by Varun Chakravarthy, setting the tone for India’s dominance.
- Rachin Ravindra (6) was caught by Hardik off Axar Patel, deepening New Zealand’s troubles.
- Daryl Mitchell (17), Tom Latham (14), Glenn Phillips (12), Michael Bracewell (2), and Matt Henry (2) struggled to make an impact.
While Kane Williamson held the innings together with a patient 81 off 120 balls, his dismissal—stumped by KL Rahul off Axar Patel—sealed New Zealand’s fate.
Varun Chakravarthy (5/42) was the star of the show, while Kuldeep Yadav (2/56), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja all chipped in with wickets.
New Zealand were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, handing India a 44-run victory.
India vs. Australia: The Semi-Final Showdown Awaits
With this win, India finished on top of Group A and will now face Australia in the semi-finals on March 4 in Dubai.
Can India’s red-hot spin attack continue its dominance against the Aussies? Or will Australia’s aggressive batting lineup find a way to counter India’s slow-bowling mastery? The semi-final promises to be a thrilling battle for a spot in the Champions Trophy final!
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India vs New Zealand, IND vs NZ, India in Semi-Finals, India vs Australia Semi-Final, Varun Chakravarthy, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Cricket News