India produced a dominant efficiency to defeat New Zealand by 44 runs of their closing Group A Champions Trophy 2025 match on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium, securing their place on the prime of the group. Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the present, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul (5/42) as India efficiently defended a goal of 250 runs. Earlier, Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 and Hardik Pandya’s late surge (45 off 45) helped India put up a aggressive 249/9. Regardless of Kane Williamson’s combating knock of 81, New Zealand faltered in opposition to India’s well-rounded bowling assault.
Shreyas Iyer steadies India after top-order collapse
After being put in to bat, India suffered an early setback, shedding Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15) and Virat Kohli (11) contained in the powerplay as Matt Henry’s fiery spell (5/42) left them reeling at 30/3 within the seventh over. Nonetheless, Iyer and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) rebuilt the innings with a vital 98-run partnership, navigating New Zealand’s disciplined bowling assault. Iyer combined warning with aggression, reaching his half-century in 75 balls earlier than accelerating. Nonetheless, he missed out on a century after falling to Will O’Rourke (1/47). Hardik then performed a counter-attacking knock, hitting 4 fours and two sixes to push India previous 240 earlier than they ended at 249/9 in 50 overs.
Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket magic dismantles New Zealand
New Zealand’s chase began cautiously, however Chakravarthy modified the sport with a superb spell of 5/42, his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Will Younger (22) and Rachin Ravindra (6) fell early, earlier than Williamson and Daryl Mitchell (17) steadied the innings. Nonetheless, Kuldeep Yadav (1/40) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/36) utilized strain, resulting in a collapse within the center overs. Williamson fought laborious however was stumped by KL Rahul off Axar Patel within the forty first over, leaving New Zealand at 169/7. The tailenders did not counter Chakravarthy’s sharp spin, and New Zealand was finally restricted to 184/7 in 43 overs, falling quick by 65 runs.
Additionally WATCH: Axar Patel dents New Zealand’s chase by eradicating Kane Williamson within the Champions Trophy 2025
India units up Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal conflict in opposition to Australia
With this victory, India completed as Group A toppers and can now face arch-rivals in latest instances, Australia within the semifinal on March 4 in Dubai, establishing a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup closing. In the meantime, New Zealand will tackle Group B toppers South Africa within the second semifinal in Lahore on March 5. India’s dominant bowling efficiency, led by Chakravarthy, showcased their energy in defending totals, a key side heading into the knockout stage. The staff will take confidence from their balanced squad, with each batters and bowlers stepping up at essential moments. With Australia posing a major problem, India will want one other all-round effort to ebook their place within the closing and maintain their dream of lifting the Champions Trophy alive.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Kudos to the staff for an amazing battle again. Varun noticed it by. High of the desk and we’ll see you on Tuesday 🇮🇳🫶 pic.twitter.com/SVsEPbgHfL
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 2, 2025
India learn the circumstances excellently and made 249 seem like a a lot larger rating than it appeared. 4 high quality spinners would make it tempting to go along with the same line-up within the semi-final
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 2, 2025
Sensible choice name by India. To have the 4th spinner on this pitch. Particularly when the 4th spinner is Varun!
👏👏👏— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 2, 2025
Chaaaaaa gyaaaa bhai aaaj Varun 🚀 pic.twitter.com/WreuoVTdCs
— Guru Randhawa (@GuruOfficial) March 2, 2025
😉 https://t.co/ckrGFhVo2D
— DK (@DineshKarthik) March 2, 2025
Again to again wickets for our very personal Varun 🥳 pic.twitter.com/2dak6tEUwp
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 2, 2025
Habibi come to Dubai to play in opposition to 🇮🇳 effectively achieved boys 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 2, 2025
It’s Shreyas Iyer as soon as once more in icc occasion in opposition to NZ. His phenomenal run continues, excessive time the world begins speaking about his strengths and never maintain pointing to his weak spot.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 2, 2025
Varun Chakravarthy’s Dream Spell! 🌟
A sensational 5-wicket haul and complete domination! 💥 Participant of the Match! 🏏🔥#Cricket #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/BDg6YhS4sm
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 2, 2025
Turned the sport and the way! 💥🥳#WhistleForBlue #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy
📸 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/iA08ruq3ni— Chennai Tremendous Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 2, 2025