Champions Trophy 2025: India Beat New Zealand, Set Up Semi-Final Clash with Australia

India secured a dominant 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, setting up a semi-final showdown with Australia. A stellar bowling display, led by spinner Varun Chakravarthy, helped India successfully defend a target of 250.

Batting first, India posted 249/9 in 50 overs, thanks to a composed 79-run knock from Shreyas Iyer and a quickfire 45 from Hardik Pandya. However, New Zealand’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Matt Henry delivering an exceptional five-wicket haul (5/42), while Kyle Jamieson maintained a tight economy, conceding just 31 runs in eight overs. The Kiwi spinners also played their part, ensuring that India couldn’t accelerate significantly in the middle overs.

Despite a steady start, India found themselves struggling to break free. Iyer, continuing his good form, built a crucial partnership with Axar Patel, but just when their stand was nearing the 100-run mark, Rachin Ravindra broke through, dismissing Axar. The innings saw a late flourish from Pandya, whose run-a-ball 45 helped India reach a competitive total.

In response, New Zealand’s chase was derailed by India’s spinners, with Chakravarthy producing a match-winning performance in his first appearance of the tournament. The leg-spinner, who had struggled in past outings in the UAE, returned in style, picking up 5/42. His spell put New Zealand under immense pressure, dismantling their batting lineup.

New Zealand had started well, with in-form batter Will Young looking solid until Hardik Pandya provided India with an early breakthrough. However, it was Chakravarthy who turned the tide in India’s favor, dismissing Young in the 12th over.

Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s former captain, was the lone warrior, anchoring the innings with a resilient 81 off 120 balls. He ground out his half-century in 77 deliveries, skillfully navigating the Indian attack while wickets kept falling around him. With New Zealand still in contention in the final 10 overs, Williamson’s dismissal proved to be the decisive moment. Axar Patel, who had initially bowled without much success, finally broke through on the last ball of his spell, trapping Williamson and sealing India’s victory.

With this win, India finished atop Group A and advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Australia on Tuesday. Chakravarthy’s spell, combined with India’s disciplined bowling attack, ensured a clinical finish to their group-stage campaign.

As the tournament progresses, India will look to carry this momentum into their crucial semi-final clash, aiming for a spot in the Champions Trophy final.