Dubai: Varun Chakravarthy delivered a sensational bowling performance, claiming 5-42, as India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in their final Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The victory ensured that India topped Group A and set up a high-stakes semi-final clash against Australia on Tuesday, a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. New Zealand, finishing second, will now face South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore.
After being put to bat, Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 guided India to a competitive total of 249/9 in 50 overs. In response, New Zealand struggled against India’s spin attack, with Chakravarthy weaving his magic to bundle them out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
Chakravarthy’s Magic Spells Doom for New Zealand
New Zealand’s chase got off to a nervy start, as Hardik Pandya provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Rachin Ravindra for 1 in the fourth over. Though Will Young (29) and Kane Williamson (81) attempted to steady the innings, Chakravarthy struck at crucial moments, getting Young to inside-edge a googly onto his stumps.
With the pitch assisting spinners, Kuldeep Yadav removed Daryl Mitchell (17) with a sharp-turning googly, while Ravindra Jadeja trapped Tom Latham (14) lbw. Despite Williamson’s gritty 81 off 120 balls, the mounting pressure from India’s disciplined attack left New Zealand struggling.
Chakravarthy’s double strike—dismissing Glenn Phillips (8) and Michael Bracewell (4)—put India firmly in control. Axar Patel then got rid of Williamson, who was stumped after missing a charge down the pitch, sealing the Blackcaps’ fate. Mitchell Santner’s late 28 provided some resistance, but Chakravarthy’s final blow bowling him out sealed India’s dominant win.
India’s Steady Batting Effort
Earlier, India’s innings was anchored by Shreyas Iyer (79 off 92 balls) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 50 balls), who helped India recover from early jitters. Matt Henry (5-42) was New Zealand’s standout bowler, troubling India’s top order, but lower-order contributions ensured India reached a defendable total.
India to Face Australia in Semi-Final
With this victory, Rohit Sharma’s men continue their unbeaten run in the tournament and will face arch-rivals Australia in Dubai in the first semi-final. New Zealand, on the other hand, will take on South Africa in Lahore in the second semi-final.
Brief Scores:
- India: 249/9 in 50 overs (Shreyas Iyer 79, Hardik Pandya 45; Matt Henry 5-42)
- New Zealand: 205/10 in 45.3 overs (Kane Williamson 81, Mitchell Santner 28; Varun Chakravarthy 5-42, Kuldeep Yadav 2-56)
India won by 44 runs.
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