“Implausible 4 Spin Net Round New Zealand as India March into the Semi Last!”
Dubai, March 2: India secured the highest spot in Group A with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, establishing a excessive-voltage semi-closing conflict with Australia.
Defending a goal 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 5-wicket haul, main India to their third consecutive win within the match.
New Zealand Crumble Underneath Spin Stress
New Zealand, chasing 250 for victory, struggled in opposition to India’s world-class spin assault.
- Will Younger (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) didn’t convert their begins.
With wickets tumbling, New Zealand’s hopes rested on captain Kane Williamson, who performed a combating knock of 81 off 119 balls. Nonetheless, Axar Patel received him stumped by KL Rahul, ending New Zealand’s final main resistance.
Mitchell Santner (28) tried to counterattack, however India’s spinners stored issues tight. Varun Chakravarthy cleaned up the decrease order, dismissing Matt Henry (caught by Virat Kohli) and Ben O’Rourke (bowled by Kuldeep Yadav), sealing New Zealand’s destiny at 205 all out.
India’s Exhausting-Fought 249/9 on a Powerful Pitch
Earlier, India posted 249/9 after struggling early on a difficult Dubai floor.
- Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98 balls) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) stitched collectively a 98-run stand after India slumped to 30/3.
- Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) offered a vital late flourish.
India’s high order struggled in opposition to Matt Henry (5/45), who rattled the Indian lineup early, however Iyer’s resilience and Hardik’s ending touches ensured a aggressive whole.
India to Face Australia in Semi-Finals
With this win, India completed on high of Group A, sustaining their unbeaten report within the match. They’ll now face Australia, who completed second in Group B, within the semi-finals.
With momentum on their aspect, India will now flip their focus to the semi-closing in opposition to Australia, aiming to proceed their dominance within the Champions Trophy 2025.
Tags:
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
