Dubai, March 1, 2025: India continued their dominant run in the Champions Trophy 2025 with a comprehensive 44-run victory over New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win secured India a top spot in Group A and extended their winning streak to three consecutive matches. In the 12th match of the tournament, India posted a total of 249 runs, losing 9 wickets in 50 overs. In response, New Zealand was restricted to 205 runs in 45.3 overs.
India’s Batting Performance:
India’s innings started on a shaky note with the loss of both openers within the first six overs. Shubman Gill (2 runs) and Rohit Sharma (15 runs) were dismissed early, leaving India at 18/2. Virat Kohli, playing his 300th ODI, could only manage 11 runs before being dismissed by a brilliant catch from Glenn Phillips. However, Shreyas Iyer (79 runs off 98 balls) and Axar Patel (42 runs off 61 balls) stabilized the innings, adding 98 runs for the fourth wicket.
KL Rahul (23 runs) and Ravindra Jadeja (16 runs) provided brief support, while Hardik Pandya played a vital knock of 45 runs off 45 balls to boost India’s total. Despite the early setbacks, India managed to post a competitive 249.
New Zealand’s Bowling:
New Zealand’s Matt Henry was the standout bowler, taking five wickets for 42 runs, but it wasn’t enough to stop India from reaching a decent total.
New Zealand’s Chase:
In reply, New Zealand started cautiously, with captain Kane Williamson playing a resilient knock of 81 runs off 120 balls. However, his efforts were not enough as India’s bowlers dominated the rest of the batting lineup. Varun Chakravarthy was the star with the ball, claiming five wickets for 42 runs in his 10 overs, including crucial scalps like Glenn Phillips (12 runs), Michael Bracewell (2 runs), and Matt Henry (5 runs).
Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with a wicket each. New Zealand was bundled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, handing India a well-deserved victory.
Key Performances:
- India: Varun Chakravarthy (5 wickets for 42 runs), Shreyas Iyer (79 runs off 98 balls), Hardik Pandya (45 runs off 45 balls)
- New Zealand: Kane Williamson (81 runs off 120 balls), Matt Henry (5 wickets for 42 runs)
India’s Next Challenge:
With this victory, India secured their place at the top of Group A and will now face Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 on March 4, 2025, in Dubai. New Zealand, on the other hand, will take on South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on March 5, 2025.
Player of the Match:
Varun Chakravarthy was named the Player of the Match for his stellar performance with the ball, taking five crucial wickets and helping India seal the win.
India’s victory sets up an exciting semi-final against Australia, promising an intense contest for a place in the final.
