India Downs New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025 Group-Stage Finale
India secured a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in the final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday in Dubai. This win ensured that India finished at the top of Group A, securing a semi-final berth against Australia on Tuesday in Dubai. Meanwhile, New Zealand, despite the loss, also progressed to the semi-finals, where they will take on South Africa on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
India’s victory was built on a solid spin-bowling performance, with four frontline spinners suffocating the Kiwi batting lineup in their chase of 249 runs. The Indian spinners accounted for nine wickets, bundling out New Zealand for 205 runs, securing a comfortable win.
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India’s Group-Stage Performance and Final Standings
With this win, India finished Group A with six points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.715, securing the top spot in the group. New Zealand, despite their loss, ended the group stage in second place with four points and an NRR of +0.267.
This match was crucial as it decided the group leader, with both teams already assured of a semi-final berth. India’s tactical decision to field four spinners proved to be a masterstroke, as the Dubai pitch offered considerable assistance to the slower bowlers.
India’s Innings: Resilient Batting After a Top-Order Collapse
Early Wickets Rock India’s Top Order
After being put in to bat first, India faced an early setback as their top order crumbled within the first 10 overs. At 30/3, the team was in deep trouble, with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all dismissed cheaply.
New Zealand’s pacer Matt Henry was on fire, exploiting the pitch conditions to perfection and picking up three quick wickets. His pace and movement made life difficult for the Indian batters, putting immense pressure on the middle order.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel’s Crucial Partnership
Just when India needed stability, Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98 balls) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) stitched together a much-needed 98-run partnership, rescuing the innings from collapse.
• Shreyas Iyer displayed remarkable composure, holding the innings together with his well-constructed knock. His innings featured four boundaries and two sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 80.61.
• Axar Patel, batting at number five, showcased his growing prowess as an all-rounder. He played a watchful knock, ensuring that India did not lose wickets in clusters. His 42-run effort, laced with three fours and a six, was instrumental in India’s recovery.
Their partnership steadied India before Axar was dismissed in the 30th over, reducing India to 128/4.
Hardik Pandya’s Gritty Cameo Lifts India to 249/9
Following Axar Patel’s dismissal, Shreyas Iyer found another able partner in KL Rahul (23 off 33 balls). Together, they added 44 runs for the fifth wicket, further consolidating India’s innings.
The final flourish came from Hardik Pandya (45 off 39 balls), who played a crucial late-order knock. His aggressive approach helped India cross the 240-run mark, as he struck three sixes and a four, taking India to a competitive 249/9 in 50 overs.
For New Zealand, the standout bowler was Matt Henry, who registered a five-wicket haul (5/41). His disciplined bowling ensured that India never ran away with the game, but the total still proved challenging on a spin-friendly pitch.
New Zealand’s Chase: Spinners Dominate as India Defends 249
Rachin Ravindra Falls Early, New Zealand Stumble
Chasing 250 for victory, New Zealand needed a solid start, but opener Rachin Ravindra failed to make an impact. He fell for a 12-ball 6, playing an unnecessary shot against Hardik Pandya.
Attempting a ramp shot, Ravindra mistimed the delivery, handing a simple catch to Axar Patel at deep third-man. His early dismissal left New Zealand at 17/1, giving India the early momentum.
Kane Williamson’s Lone Battle Amidst Middle-Order Struggles
While wickets continued to fall, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson played a valiant knock of 81 runs off 99 balls.
His innings was marked by patience, skill, and excellent shot selection.
However, none of the other Kiwi batters managed to build significant partnerships.
• Daryl Mitchell (17 off 35 balls) struggled to rotate strike and was eventually dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav in the 26th over, leaving New Zealand at 93/3.
• Michael Bracewell (8 off 16 balls) had a forgettable outing, failing to contribute with both bat and ball. He misread a Varun Chakravarthy googly, getting trapped leg before wicket.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Dream Spell Decimates New Zealand
Making his Champions Trophy debut, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy turned the game on its head with a match-winning five-wicket haul (5/42 in 10 overs).
• His ability to deceive batters with variations played a crucial role in breaking New Zealand’s resistance.
• He picked up wickets at regular intervals, ensuring that Williamson was left with little support from the other end.
• Chakravarthy’s fifer was the second-best bowling performance by an Indian in Champions Trophy history.
His brilliant spell helped India bundle out New Zealand for 205 runs in 46.3 overs, sealing the 44-run victory.
Heroes of the Match
1. Shreyas Iyer – The Backbone of India’s Batting
• Score: 79 off 98 balls
• Key Contributions: Held the innings together, built partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul
• Strike Rate: 80.61
2. Axar Patel – All-Round Excellence
• Batting: 42 off 61 balls
• Bowling: 10 overs, 32 runs, 1 wicket (including the crucial Kane Williamson wicket)
• Economy Rate: 3.2
3. Varun Chakravarthy – The Mystery Spinner Steals the Show
• Bowling Figures: 5/42 in 10 overs
• Dot Balls: 36
• Match-Winning Performance: Man of the Match
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Zeroes of the Match
1. Daryl Mitchell – Struggled to Make an Impact
• Score: 17 off 35 balls
• Dismissal: LBW by Kuldeep Yadav
2. Michael Bracewell – Ineffective with Bat and Ball
• Batting: 8 off 16 balls
• Bowling: 0/56 in 9 overs
• Dismissal: LBW by Varun Chakravarthy
3. Rachin Ravindra – Poor Shot Selection
• Score: 6 off 12 balls
• Dismissal: Caught by Axar Patel off Hardik Pandya
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Conclusion: India Marches Into the Semis with Confidence
India’s comprehensive win against New Zealand not only secured them the top spot in Group A but also gave them immense confidence ahead of their semi-final against Australia.
With Shreyas Iyer anchoring the batting, Axar Patel contributing in both departments, and Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spell, India showcased their depth and adaptability on a spin-friendly pitch.
With a solid all-round display, India now shifts its focus to the semi-final against Australia, while New Zealand will hope to bounce back against South Africa.
