India produced a dominant performance to defeat New Zealand by 44 runs in their final Group A Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing their place at the top of the group. Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the show, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul (5/42) as India successfully defended a target of 250 runs. Earlier, Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 and Hardik Pandya’s late surge (45 off 45) helped India post a competitive 249/9. Despite Kane Williamson’s fighting knock of 81, New Zealand faltered against India’s well-rounded bowling attack.
Shreyas Iyer steadies India after top-order collapse
After being put in to bat, India suffered an early setback, losing Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15) and Virat Kohli (11) inside the powerplay as Matt Henry’s fiery spell (5/42) left them reeling at 30/3 in the seventh over. However, Iyer and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) rebuilt the innings with a crucial 98-run partnership, navigating New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Iyer mixed caution with aggression, reaching his half-century in 75 balls before accelerating. However, he missed out on a century after falling to Will O’Rourke (1/47). Hardik then played a counter-attacking knock, hitting four fours and two sixes to push India past 240 before they ended at 249/9 in 50 overs.
Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket magic dismantles New Zealand
New Zealand’s chase started cautiously, but Chakravarthy changed the game with a brilliant spell of 5/42, his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Will Young (22) and Rachin Ravindra (6) fell early, before Williamson and Daryl Mitchell (17) steadied the innings. However, Kuldeep Yadav (1/40) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/36) applied pressure, leading to a collapse in the middle overs. Williamson fought hard but was stumped by KL Rahul off Axar Patel in the 41st over, leaving New Zealand at 169/7. The tailenders failed to counter Chakravarthy’s sharp spin, and New Zealand was eventually restricted to 184/7 in 43 overs, falling short by 65 runs.
Also WATCH: Axar Patel dents New Zealand’s chase by removing Kane Williamson in the Champions Trophy 2025
India sets up Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal clash against Australia
With this victory, India finished as Group A toppers and will now face arch-rivals in recent times, Australia in the semifinal on March 4 in Dubai, setting up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on Group B toppers South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on March 5. India’s dominant bowling performance, led by Chakravarthy, showcased their strength in defending totals, a key aspect heading into the knockout stage. The team will take confidence from their balanced squad, with both batters and bowlers stepping up at crucial moments. With Australia posing a significant challenge, India will need another all-round effort to book their place in the final and keep their dream of lifting the Champions Trophy alive.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Kudos to the team for a tremendous fight back. Varun saw it through. Top of the table and we’ll see you on Tuesday 🇮🇳🫶 pic.twitter.com/SVsEPbgHfL
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 2, 2025
India read the conditions excellently and made 249 look like a much bigger score than it seemed. Four quality spinners would make it tempting to go with a similar line-up in the semi-final
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 2, 2025
Brilliant selection call by India. To have the 4th spinner on this pitch. Especially when the 4th spinner is Varun!
👏👏👏— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 2, 2025
Chaaaaaa gyaaaa bhai aaaj Varun 🚀 pic.twitter.com/WreuoVTdCs
— Guru Randhawa (@GuruOfficial) March 2, 2025
— DK (@DineshKarthik) March 2, 2025
Back to back wickets for our very own Varun 🥳 pic.twitter.com/2dak6tEUwp
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 2, 2025
Habibi come to Dubai to play against 🇮🇳 well done boys 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 2, 2025
It’s Shreyas Iyer once again in icc event against NZ. His phenomenal run continues, high time the world starts talking about his strengths and not keep pointing to his weakness.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 2, 2025
Varun Chakravarthy’s Dream Spell! 🌟
A sensational 5-wicket haul and total domination! 💥 Player of the Match! 🏏🔥#Cricket #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/BDg6YhS4sm
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 2, 2025
Turned the game and how! 💥🥳#WhistleForBlue #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy
📸 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/iA08ruq3ni— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 2, 2025
