Dubai/Patiala, 02 March (Shahi)
In a gripping contest on March 2, 2025, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in their final group stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Played at the Dubai International Stadium, this match determined the top spot in Group A, with both teams already qualified for the semifinals. India’s comprehensive win, driven by strong batting and exceptional bowling, ensured they finished the group stage unbeaten.
Match Details
- Date: March 2, 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
- Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 12, Group A
- Toss: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first
- Result: India won by 44 runs
India’s Innings: 249/9 in 50 Overs
New Zealand opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and their decision paid early dividends. India lost Shubman Gill (2 off 5 balls), Rohit Sharma (15 off 12 balls), and Virat Kohli (11 off 14 balls) quickly, slipping to 30/3 by the seventh over. Matt Henry struck twice, while Glenn Phillips took a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Kohli.
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Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98 balls) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) steadied the innings with a vital 98-run partnership. Later, Hardik Pandya (45 off 42 balls) provided a late flourish, helping India post a competitive 249/9 in 50 overs. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 5/42, supported by tight spells from Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner.
New Zealand’s Chase: 205 all out in 45.3 Overs
Chasing 250, New Zealand started steadily, with Kane Williamson anchoring the innings with a gritty 81 off 92 balls. However, India’s spinners turned the game. Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a match-defining spell, taking 5/42, including the crucial wicket of Williamson in the 40th over. His variations dismantled New Zealand’s middle order, triggering a collapse.
Support came from Kuldeep Yadav (56/2), Ravindra Jadeja (1/36), as New Zealand were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, falling 44 runs short. Despite Williamson’s effort, lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup cost New Zealand dearly.
Key Performances
- Shreyas Iyer (India): 79 off 98 balls – A composed knock to anchor India’s total.
- Varun Chakaravarthy (India): 5/41 – A brilliant five-wicket haul that sealed the victory.
- Hardik Pandya (India): 45 off 42 balls – Valuable runs in the lower order.
- Matt Henry (New Zealand): 5/42 – Exceptional bowling to restrict India.
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand): 81 off 92 balls – A lone fight in the chase.
Match Highlights
- Early Collapse: India stumbled to 30/3, with Henry and Phillips shining for New Zealand.
- Iyer-Patel Stand: A 98-run partnership revived India’s innings.
- Henry’s Brilliance: Five wickets from Matt Henry kept India’s total in check.
- Chakaravarthy’s Spell: Varun Chakaravarthy’s five-wicket haul broke New Zealand’s chase.
Outcome and Next Steps
India’s victory secured them the top spot in Group A, setting up a semifinal clash with Australia on March 4, 2025, in Dubai. New Zealand, finishing second, will face South Africa in the second semifinal on March 5, 2025, in Lahore. This win marks India’s third consecutive victory in the tournament, boosting their momentum, while New Zealand will aim to regroup for the knockout stage.
