Dubai (Web Desk): India secured a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The win ensured India topped their group, remaining unbeaten throughout their three matches.
As a result, they will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday.
New Zealand, despite a valiant 81 from Kane Williamson, fell short, and they will now take on South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.
India, batting first, was rattled early on by New Zealand’s pace attack. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill were all sent back cheaply, leaving India reeling at 30-3 after just seven overs. Kohli’s dismissal, caught brilliantly by Glenn Phillips at backward point off Matt Henry, had the Indian camp stunned. A few overs later, Jadeja, too, was dismissed by Henry in a remarkable one-handed grab by Williamson. However, Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship with a patient 79, and Hardik Pandya's late fireworks (45 off 45 balls) pushed India to 249-9, a total that proved to be more than enough.
New Zealand's chase never truly gained momentum as they struggled against India's spinners. Varun Chakravarthy, in just his second ODI, made an immediate impact, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs, including the key scalp of Will Young. Williamson, however, stood firm amidst the collapse, but with no real support from the other end, he was eventually dismissed, stumped off Axar Patel after facing 120 balls. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also played key roles, keeping the pressure on as New Zealand was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
This result means India will remain in Dubai for the semi-finals, where they will face a tough challenge against Australia.
The match also marked Virat Kohli's 300th ODI, adding extra significance to the win.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will now travel to Lahore, where they will meet South Africa, who also topped their group.
Despite the logistical challenges surrounding travel between Pakistan and Dubai, both South Africa and Australia will have to wait until the final group games are completed to confirm their semi-final opponents.
Teams
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke