Champions Trophy 2025: India Beat New Zealand By 44 Runs, Set To Play Against Australia In Semi-Final: In the defining match of group A, India stands as the winner over New Zealand by 44 runs on March 2, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium. India remained unbeaten in the tournament and set up a semifinal clash with Australia for Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Champions Trophy 2025: IND vs NZ Match Summary
India’s Innings
The Indian team had a disappointing start to their innings, with the early dismissals of their openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Shreyas Iyer then rescued the Indian innings, collecting a steady 79 off 104 balls to hold the middle order intact. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya came along in the end with a quickfire 45 from 27 deliveries with one six towering over mid-wicket. But no one could better Matt Henry as he picked up five wickets, conceded 42 runs, and restricted India to a total of 249/9.
New Zealand’s Response
At the other end, Kane Williamson was solid and composed for 53 runs off 68 balls as the looms fell. Chasing the target of 250 runs, the Indian bowling, spearheaded by Varun Chakravarthy, mowed New Zealand down. Daryl Mitchell’s second-last ball tipped the Indian side into the five-wicket haul by Chakravarthy against New Zealand, shattering them at 205 in 45.3 overs.
Key Performers
India:
Shreyas Iyer: 79 runs off 104 balls
Hardik Pandya: 45 runs off 27 balls
Varun Chakravarthy: 5 wickets for 33 runs
New Zealand:
Kane Williamson: 53 runs off 68 balls
Matt Henry: 5 wickets for 42 runs
Key Moments
Shreyas Iyer’s Assurance: Coming in at a time when things were in a shaky position, Iyer did the job of giving a solid foundation and making sure the total was competitive for India. Varun Chakravarthy’s First Match Performance: The New Zealand chase was uncoupled by use of conditions with key, regular wickets.
And with this victory, India topped Group A and is going to play Australia in the semifinals. New Zealand will also be through to the semifinals even after the loss and will contest South Africa.
Also Read: WPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Beat RCB By 9 Wickets, Seal Playoffs Spot
Playing 11 of India and New Zealand
India XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand XI: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke
