Dubai (Web Desk): New Zealand set a target of 252 runs for India in the final match of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
New Zealand posted a challenging total of 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell played vital hands, both scoring half-centuries to boost New Zealand’s total after they were put into bat on a tricky, spin-friendly surface.
The opening pair of Will Young and Rachin Ravindra laid a solid foundation, putting on 57 runs in just seven overs. However, Young was dismissed for 15, trapped in front by India’s Varun Chakravarthy.
The arrival of Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s key figure, failed to steady the innings as India’s spinners struck with quick wickets. Williamson (11), Ravindra (37), and Tom Latham (14) all fell to the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, leaving the Kiwis in trouble at 108/4 in the 23rd over.
Despite the setbacks, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell fought back with a crucial 57-run stand. Phillips contributed 34 off 52 balls before being dismissed, but Mitchell held firm, top-scoring with 63 off 101 balls. He then combined with Michael Bracewell for a 46-run partnership to push the score past 200.
After Mitchell’s departure, Bracewell unleashed a blistering 53 not out from just 40 deliveries, including two fours and three sixes, to take New Zealand to a competitive total of 251/7.
Kuldeep Yadav and Chakravarthy were the standout bowlers for India, taking two wickets each and applying pressure throughout the innings.
As the teams prepare for India’s chase, the game is finely poised, with New Zealand’s spinners likely to play a crucial role in defending this total.
India will need a measured approach, keeping the spin threat in mind, to get across the line and secure the championship.
Teams
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Nathan Smith
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
