Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul and a gritty batting display propel India to the top of Group A, setting up a semi-final clash with Australia.
Dubai, March 2 – India secured the top spot in Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand, setting up an electrifying semi-final clash against Australia.
Led by Varun Chakravarthy’s sensational five-wicket haul, India’s spin attack dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup, restricting them to 205 all out in 45.3 overs while chasing 250 for victory.
“A fantastic team effort! The spinners were outstanding, and the batters fought hard to get us a challenging total,” said India captain Rohit Sharma, praising his side’s all-round performance.
Chakravarthy Spins a Web, Kane Williamson’s Lone Fight
New Zealand’s chase started on shaky ground, struggling against India’s spin quartet of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Key moments from India’s bowling masterclass:
- Will Young (22 off 35) was bowled by Chakravarthy, handing India their first breakthrough.
- Rachin Ravindra (6 off 12) fell to Axar Patel, caught by Hardik Pandya.
- Middle-order collapse – Daryl Mitchell (17), Tom Latham (14), Glenn Phillips (12), Michael Bracewell (2), and Matt Henry (2) all failed to capitalize.
- Kane Williamson’s resistance – The New Zealand captain fought hard with 81 off 119 balls, but his stumping by KL Rahul off Axar Patel ended their last major hope.
- Mitchell Santner (28) counterattacked, but India’s relentless spin attack ensured no comeback.
- Varun Chakravarthy (5/36) ripped through the lower order, dismissing Matt Henry (caught by Virat Kohli) and Ben O’Rourke (bowled by Kuldeep Yadav), sealing New Zealand’s defeat at 205 all out.
India’s Hard-Fought 249/9 on a Tricky Surface
Earlier, India battled to 249/9, overcoming an early collapse on a challenging Dubai pitch.
Key batting performances:
- Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98 balls) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) stitched together a crucial 98-run partnership, steadying India after they slipped to 30/3.
- Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) provided the late flourish to push India past 240.
- Matt Henry (5/45) rattled India’s top order, but Iyer’s resilience and Hardik’s finishing touch ensured a competitive total.
India to Face Australia in High-Stakes Semi-Final
With three consecutive wins, India finishes as Group A toppers and will now face Australia, the second-placed team from Group B, in the semi-finals.
With momentum on their side, Rohit Sharma and his men will be eager to extend their dominance and take another step toward Champions Trophy glory.