India Defeats New Zealand to Secure Place in ICC Champions Trophy Semifinals Against Australia
Varun Chakravarthy shines with a five-wicket haul as India sets up a semifinal clash in Dubai.
In a crucial ICC Champions Trophy match held on March 2, 2025, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs at the Dubai International Stadium.
This victory secured India's spot in the semifinals, where they will face Australia on Tuesday.
Varun Chakravarthy, making a significant impact in only his second One Day International (ODI), took five wickets for 42 runs.
His performance was instrumental in limiting New Zealand to a total of 205 runs in 45.3 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with two crucial wickets.
New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson top-scored for his side with 81 runs, but his departure effectively ended New Zealand's hopes of victory.
New Zealand's pacer Matt Henry was a thorn in India's side earlier in the innings, claiming five wickets for 54 runs and stifling India's progress, especially after they opted to bat first following a toss win.
India struggled early on, losing three wickets for just 44 runs, including the dismissals of established players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who was appearing in his 300th ODI.
Shreyas Iyer emerged as a key player for India, scoring 79 runs, while Hardik Pandya added a quick 45 runs to help India post a total of 249 for 9 in their allotted overs.
Despite a rough start, Iyer's partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul provided India with some much-needed stability.
The New Zealand bowlers executed a disciplined bowling strategy that involved short-pitched deliveries, successfully restricting India's ability to score freely on the sluggish pitch.
As a result, India recorded a modest total, which they believed would be defendable given their spinners.
India's response to New Zealand's innings began promisingly when Hardik Pandya claimed an early wicket.
The Indian bowlers maintained pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup, particularly utilizing spinners effectively as the match progressed.
New Zealand's innings deteriorated after the dismissal of key batsmen, including Williamson, stalling their run chase.
After 40 overs, they were struggling at 165 for 6. The last nails in the coffin came when Axar Patel dismissed Williamson, marking a turning point that shifted momentum firmly in India's favor.
Eventually, New Zealand fell short, finishing their innings at 205.
With this outcome, India will now await their encounter against Australia in Dubai, while New Zealand is set to face South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday.
This victory secured India's spot in the semifinals, where they will face Australia on Tuesday.
Varun Chakravarthy, making a significant impact in only his second One Day International (ODI), took five wickets for 42 runs.
His performance was instrumental in limiting New Zealand to a total of 205 runs in 45.3 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with two crucial wickets.
New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson top-scored for his side with 81 runs, but his departure effectively ended New Zealand's hopes of victory.
New Zealand's pacer Matt Henry was a thorn in India's side earlier in the innings, claiming five wickets for 54 runs and stifling India's progress, especially after they opted to bat first following a toss win.
India struggled early on, losing three wickets for just 44 runs, including the dismissals of established players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who was appearing in his 300th ODI.
Shreyas Iyer emerged as a key player for India, scoring 79 runs, while Hardik Pandya added a quick 45 runs to help India post a total of 249 for 9 in their allotted overs.
Despite a rough start, Iyer's partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul provided India with some much-needed stability.
The New Zealand bowlers executed a disciplined bowling strategy that involved short-pitched deliveries, successfully restricting India's ability to score freely on the sluggish pitch.
As a result, India recorded a modest total, which they believed would be defendable given their spinners.
India's response to New Zealand's innings began promisingly when Hardik Pandya claimed an early wicket.
The Indian bowlers maintained pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup, particularly utilizing spinners effectively as the match progressed.
New Zealand's innings deteriorated after the dismissal of key batsmen, including Williamson, stalling their run chase.
After 40 overs, they were struggling at 165 for 6. The last nails in the coffin came when Axar Patel dismissed Williamson, marking a turning point that shifted momentum firmly in India's favor.
Eventually, New Zealand fell short, finishing their innings at 205.
With this outcome, India will now await their encounter against Australia in Dubai, while New Zealand is set to face South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday.
Translation:
Translated by AI
