DUBAI: India extended their unbeaten run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The win secured India’s top position in Group A and set up a high-stakes semi-final against Australia on Tuesday, while New Zealand will face South Africa in the other semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.
Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the show, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/40) to dismantle New Zealand’s batting order.
His efforts overshadowed impressive performances from New Zealand’s Matt Henry (5/42) and captain Kane Williamson, who fought hard with a resilient 81 off 120 balls but could not prevent his side from falling short.
India’s top-order collapse
Put in to bat first, India struggled early on as New Zealand’s pace attack made full use of the conditions.
Henry and Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc on India’s top order, dismissing Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15), and Virat Kohli (11) within the first seven overs, leaving India reeling at 30/3.
Kohli’s dismissal was particularly dramatic, as he was caught spectacularly by Glenn Phillips off Henry’s delivery, marking a disappointing outing in his 300th ODI appearance.
With India in trouble, Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98) and Axar Patel (42 off 61) led the rescue act, forging a crucial 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Iyer, adapting to the difficult conditions, struck a composed half-century, while Axar provided solid support before he perished attempting an audacious scoop against Rachin Ravindra.
Hardik Pandya (45 off 45) played a late cameo to push India’s total to a competitive 249/9.
However, it was Henry’s exceptional spell that restricted India from posting a bigger target, as he became the first bowler to claim a five-wicket haul against India in Champions Trophy history.
New Zealand’s chase
Chasing 250 for victory, New Zealand found themselves under pressure early as Chakravarthy’s spin brilliance derailed their innings.
Despite a determined knock from Williamson, who held the innings together with his 81-run effort, New Zealand failed to form lasting partnerships.
India’s spin trio of Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel tightened the noose, preventing the Black Caps from gaining any momentum.
Axar dismissed Williamson at a critical juncture, while Hardik Pandya and Jadeja chipped in with a wicket apiece.
New Zealand eventually folded for 205, falling short by 44 runs. Their lower order failed to provide the necessary support to Williamson, as Chakravarthy ran through the tail to complete his five-wicket haul.
Semi-final clash: India vs Australia in Dubai
With this victory, India sealed their place at the top of Group A and will now face Australia in the semi-final on Tuesday at the same venue.
This sets up a highly anticipated encounter, as the two cricketing giants last met in an ICC event during the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where Australia emerged victorious.
New Zealand, finishing second in Group A, will now take on Group B toppers South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.
