India Triumph Over New Zealand by 44 Runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The India cricket team delivered a commanding performance against New Zealand in the 12th match of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a 44-run victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Despite early setbacks, India’s all-round effort proved too much for the Kiwis, who faltered in their chase of 250 runs.
India’s Gritty Batting Performance
After losing the toss and being put to bat, India had a shaky start as opener Shubman Gill departed for just two runs in the third over. Skipper Rohit Sharma followed soon after, contributing 15 runs before falling to Kyle Jamieson. The situation worsened when Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply for 11, leaving India reeling at 30/3 within seven overs.
Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship with a well-crafted 99 off 98 balls, narrowly missing out on a century. His partnership with Axar Patel (42 off 61) brought much-needed stability to the innings. KL Rahul added 23, but it was Hardik Pandya’s explosive 45 off 45 balls that provided India with momentum in the final overs. Contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (16) and a late flourish by Kuldeep Yadav (11*) helped India reach a competitive 249/9 in 50 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers were impressive, with Matt Henry leading the attack, picking up a five-wicket haul (5/42) and dismantling India’s middle order. Kyle Jamieson and William O’Rourke chipped in with a wicket each, while Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner took a wicket apiece to restrict India’s total.
Varun Chakravarthy Stars as New Zealand Crumble
Chasing 250, New Zealand struggled to gain momentum, losing Rachin Ravindra early for just six runs. Will Young (22 off 35) and Kane Williamson (81 off 120) tried to steady the innings, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Daryl Mitchell (17) and Tom Latham (14) failed to convert their starts into substantial scores.
The turning point came when Varun Chakravarthy ripped through New Zealand’s middle order, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul (5/42). His variations left the batters clueless as he dismissed Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry in quick succession. Kuldeep Yadav also played a crucial role, scalping two wickets, including the final one of William O’Rourke, sealing India’s victory.
Despite Williamson’s fighting knock, New Zealand was bundled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, falling 44 runs short of the target.
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. Shreyas Iyer’s Match-Defining Knock
Shreyas Iyer’s 99 was the backbone of India’s innings. His calm and composed approach, coupled with well-timed aggression, helped India recover from early setbacks.
2. Hardik Pandya’s All-Round Contribution
Pandya’s late acceleration with the bat and his crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra provided India with a much-needed edge in both innings. His ability to deliver under pressure remains invaluable.
3. Varun Chakravarthy’s Magical Spell
The mystery spinner was the star performer with the ball, bamboozling New Zealand’s batters and ensuring that India remained in control throughout the chase.
4. Kane Williamson’s Lone Battle
Williamson showed immense grit, anchoring New Zealand’s innings, but lacked substantial support from the other batters. His dismissal in the 41st over marked the end of the Kiwis’ hopes.
What’s Next?
With this hard-fought victory, India has significantly solidified its position in Group A, bringing them one step closer to the coveted knockout stage of the tournament. The team is eager to harness this newfound momentum as they prepare for the remaining fixtures, looking to build on their recent success and further their chances of advancement.
On the flip side, New Zealand finds itself in a challenging position, needing to regroup and address weaknesses in their middle-order performance if they hope to remain in contention for a semifinal berth.
This match was a thrilling display of India’s resilience and impressive depth in both batting and bowling, showcasing their capability to cope under pressure. It’s becoming increasingly clear why they are considered one of the frontrunners to claim the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As the tournament heats up and the stakes rise, fans can eagerly anticipate even more exhilarating encounters in the days ahead!
Stay Tuned for more updates only at Buzz Times
