India Seals Semi-Final Spot Against Australia After Dominant Win Over New Zealand
Rohit Sharma-led India continued their dominant run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a comprehensive 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A clash in Dubai. With this win, India finished at the top of Group A and booked a high-stakes semi-final encounter against Australia on March 4 at the same venue.
Varun Chakaravarthy Stars as India Defends 249/9
Playing his first match of the tournament, Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a match-winning performance, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup with an incredible five-wicket haul. His spell helped India bowl out New Zealand for 205 in 45.3 overs, successfully defending their total of 249/9.
India’s Batting Struggles as Top Order Collapses
Opting to bat first after being invited by New Zealand, India’s star-studded batting lineup endured a rocky start. The top three—Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli—fell cheaply inside the first powerplay.
- Matt Henry struck early, trapping Gill for 2 (7).
- Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rohit (15 off 17).
- A stunning fielding effort from Glenn Phillips ended Kohli’s stay at 11 (14).
Despite the setbacks, Axar Patel (42 off 61) and Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98) stitched together a 98-run stand for the fourth wicket, stabilizing India’s innings. However, New Zealand kept striking at regular intervals:
- Rachin Ravindra dismissed Axar.
- William O’Rourke removed Iyer, leaving India under pressure.
Hardik Pandya’s crucial 45-run cameo helped push India’s total towards 249/9, but he lacked support as KL Rahul (23 off 29) and Ravindra Jadeja (16 off 20) fell cheaply. Jadeja’s dismissal came courtesy of a stunning catch by Kane Williamson, while Pandya was dismissed in the final over.
New Zealand’s Chase Falters Against India’s Spin Attack
Chasing 250, New Zealand started steadily, reaching 44/1 in the first powerplay. However, India’s spin attack, led by Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, turned the tide:
- Hardik Pandya sent Rachin Ravindra (6 off 12) back early.
- Chakaravarthy cleaned up Will Young (22 off 35) in the 12th over.
- Kuldeep Yadav broke a crucial stand, trapping Daryl Mitchell (17 off 35) LBW.
Kane Williamson (81 off 121) showed resilience, but he kept losing partners at the other end:
- Jadeja removed Tom Latham (14 off 20).
- Chakaravarthy’s double blow dismissed Glenn Phillips (12 off 8) and Michael Bracewell (2 off 3).
- Williamson’s fight ended when he was stumped off Axar Patel.
India’s Road to the Semi-Finals
With this emphatic win, India topped Group A and will now face Australia in the semi-finals on March 4 in Dubai. With bowlers stepping up and the team showing resilience despite early batting troubles, India will look to continue their championship-winning form in the knockout stage.
Stay tuned for more Champions Trophy 2025 updates and match highlights!