- Tue, March 15, 2022
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India Clinches 44-Run Victory Over New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul from Varun Chakravarthy. Batting first, India posted 249/9, with Shreyas Iyer anchoring the innings with 79 runs. Matt Henry’s 5/42 kept New Zealand in contention, but their batting collapsed under India’s spin attack. Kane Williamson fought hard with 81, but Chakravarthy’s brilliance restricted New Zealand to 205 in 45.3 overs. With this win, India topped Group A and will face Australia in the semi-finals.
India: 249/9 (50 overs)
New Zealand: 205 all out (45.3 overs)
India won by 44 runs
Player of the Match: Varun Chakravarthy
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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 2, 2025
Santner had no clue as Varun's cross-seam rocket crashes into the stumps! 4️⃣ and counting! ????????#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar ???? #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!
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Varun Chakravarthy’s Five-Wicket Haul Seals India’s Win
Dubai, March 2, 2025: India registered a crucial 44-run win over New Zealand in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defending a total of 249 with a stellar bowling performance. Varun Chakravarthy was the hero of the night, picking up a match-winning five-wicket haul as New Zealand crumbled for 205 in 45.3 overs.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, New Zealand’s pacers made early inroads, with Matt Henry leading the attack. However, Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 off 98 balls and crucial contributions from Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya helped India post a competitive total. The Indian bowlers, led by Chakravarthy, then dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup, ensuring India finished the group stage on a high note.
India’s Innings – Shreyas Iyer Anchors the Batting
India’s innings began with early setbacks as both openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, fell within the first six overs. Matt Henry struck twice, removing Gill for just 2 and dismissing Kohli for 11, spoiling his 300th ODI appearance.
Shreyas Iyer played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. His 79-run knock was built on patience and calculated strokeplay, ensuring India recovered from the shaky start. Axar Patel chipped in with 42 off 61 balls, forming a vital partnership with Iyer. Hardik Pandya later accelerated the innings with a well-struck 45 off 45 balls, taking India to a competitive 249/9 in 50 overs.
Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, finishing with an impressive 5 for 42. Kyle Jamieson and William O’Rourke provided good support, claiming key wickets to prevent India from building a massive total.
New Zealand’s Chase – Struggles Against Indian Spinners
Chasing 250, New Zealand needed a steady start, but they lost wickets at regular intervals. Will Young (22) and Rachin Ravindra (6) failed to provide stability, while Kane Williamson’s 81 off 120 balls kept the Kiwis in the hunt.
However, India’s spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav turned the game in India’s favor. Chakravarthy’s spell of 5 for 42 dismantled the middle order, removing key players like Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and captain Mitchell Santner. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Daryl Mitchell.
New Zealand’s hopes faded as their lower order failed to withstand the pressure, eventually folding for 205 in 45.3 overs.
Key Performances That Defined the Match
Varun Chakravarthy’s Five-Wicket Haul: A match-winning spell that rattled New Zealand’s middle and lower order.
Shreyas Iyer’s 79: A crucial knock that stabilized India’s innings after an early collapse.
Matt Henry’s 5 for 42: A superb bowling performance that kept New Zealand in the contest.
Kane Williamson’s 81: A fighting knock that kept New Zealand’s hopes alive before the collapse.
What’s Next
With this victory, India secures a top spot in Group A and advances to the semi-finals, where they will face Australia in Lahore. This win also boosts their confidence heading into the knockout stage, especially with their bowling attack performing at its peak.
New Zealand, despite their loss, showed glimpses of brilliance and will look to bounce back in their next outing.
Final Thoughts
India’s well-rounded performance, highlighted by Shreyas Iyer’s anchoring knock and Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spell, proved too much for New Zealand. This win reaffirms India’s strength in pressure situations and sets the stage for an exciting semi-final clash against Australia.
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