India triumphed over New Zealand by 44 runs in a group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, claiming the top spot in Group A on a clean sheet. The win guarantees that Rohit Sharma and his men will play against Australia in the first semi-final on March 4, 2025. Varun Chakravarthy got the Player of the Match award for his 5er in his ICC ODI event debut.
India’s Comprehensive Victory Over New Zealand
The last group stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was played between India and New Zealand in Dubai on March 2. India batted first and scored a fighting total of 249 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. New Zealand, while chasing, were bowled out for only 205 runs in 45.3 overs, giving India a convincing 44-run win.
This victory meant India finished with a clean sweep in the group stage, accumulating 6 points from 3 games. This group top in Group A gave them a slot in the semi-finals, where they will take on Australia in what should be an exciting contest.
Shreyas Iyer Shines with a Match-winning 79
India started the match against New Zealand on a tough footing. Having lost the toss and been required to bat, India found itself getting into trouble very early, as it lost three important wickets for just 30 runs on the board. Shubman Gill was lost for just 2 runs, Rohit Sharma for 15 runs, and Virat Kohli for 11.
By this time, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel stabilized the innings with an important 98-run fourth wicket stand. Iyer, especially, played a gem of an innings, scoring 79 runs off 98 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes. His calm innings was the pillar of India’s fightback. Axar Patel added with a strong 42 runs off 61 balls with 3 fours and a six. Hardik Pandya also contributed useful runs, with 45 runs coming off 45 balls to set India up for a competitive score.
India’s total of 249 ultimately proved to be too much for New Zealand, who were never really in the hunt.
New Zealand’s Downfall Against India’s Spinners
New Zealand’s response to India’s total was scuppered early by India’s bowlers, especially the spinners. Varun Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers with the ball, picking a magical 5 wickets for 42 runs from his 10 overs.
Chakravarthy’s genius saw him pick up important New Zealand players such as Will Young (22), Glenn Phillips (12), Michael Bracewell (2), Matt Henry (2), and Mitchell Santner (28). Chakravarthy’s spell changed the fortunes of the game in India’s favor, with New Zealand middle and lower order finding it hard to deal with his variations.
Kuldeep Yadav also gave able support along with Chakravarthy, taking two wickets, as did Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson battled bravely with a calm 81 from 120 deliveries, but to no avail, as he could not stop New Zealand from getting bowled out for 205. His fighting spirit demonstrated New Zealand’s batting depth, but it was evident that India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Chakravarthy, had the advantage in the game.
A Historic Win and A Semifinal Showdown with Australia
India’s comprehensive victory against New Zealand not only helped them qualify for the semi-finals but also ensured they would lead Group A. This win has provided the Indian side a big boost going into their match against Australia on March 4. India is still the only side in the tournament with a spotless record from the group stages, having triumphed in all three of their games.
With a well-balanced mix of powerful batting and brilliant bowling, India will enter the semi-final with confidence. But the task of encountering Australia, a team with ICC tournament pedigree, will put India’s determination and resolve to the test for reaching the final.
The clash between India and Australia is going to be an intriguing contest, where both sides will try to qualify for the highly sought-after Champions Trophy final.
Looking Ahead: India’s Semi-Final Challenge Against Australia
The performance of India during the group stage has demonstrated its capacity to recover from adversity. Their strong comeback after the loss of early wickets of their important players against New Zealand demonstrated their strength and depth.
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Now, with the semi-final against Australia just days away, the team will be keen to sustain the momentum and improve on the errors that have been surfacing in their matches.
The India-Australia clash will not be a contest for a berth in the final alone – it will be an intriguing match-up between two cricketing titans, each playing with their unique strengths and strategy. India will seek to take advantage of their spinners and strong batting line-up to dominate the Aussies, while the Aussies would be keen to prove why they are one of the tournament favorites.
As the Champions Trophy 2025 enters its knockout phase, the excitement is mounting, and the fight for the trophy is going to become fiercer.
