Iyer’s Fifty, Chakravarthy’s Spin Magic Seal India’s Win

India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday, topping Group A in the 2025 Champions Trophy and setting up a semifinal showdown against Australia.

Shreyas Iyer played a pressure-defying knock of 79 off 98 balls, helping India reach 249/9 despite a fierce bowling effort from New Zealand pacer Matt Henry (5/42). In response, Varun Chakravarthy’s spin masterclass (5/42) rattled the Kiwis, bundling them out for 205 in 45.3 overs.

India’s Top-Order Struggles Before Middle-Order Resurgence

Batting first, India suffered an early setback at 30/3, losing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli cheaply. However, Iyer stabilized the innings, forging key partnerships with Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls) to guide India to a competitive total.

Iyer’s knock, marked by composure and occasional aggression, included a six off Will O’Rourke over long-on. However, he fell short of a century, mistiming a pull shot that was caught by Will Young.

Pandya’s late flourish, which included some powerful strokes, helped India approach the 250-run mark, setting a challenging target for New Zealand.

Chakravarthy’s Five-Wicket Haul Dominates New Zealand’s Chase

Chasing 250, New Zealand’s innings revolved around Kane Williamson’s gritty 81, but he lacked support from the other end. The Kiwis lost Rachin Ravindra early to Hardik Pandya, and despite a 44-run stand between Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, India’s spinners took control.

• Kuldeep Yadav trapped Mitchell LBW, breaking the crucial stand.
• Ravindra Jadeja’s turn troubled the middle order, while Axar Patel dismissed Williamson, sealing the match.
• Chakravarthy led the charge with five wickets, ensuring New Zealand never built momentum.

Semifinal Showdowns Set: India vs. Australia, New Zealand vs. South Africa

With this win, India tops Group A and will face Australia in the first semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday. Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday in the other semifinal.

The match showcased India’s depth in both batting and bowling, with Iyer and Chakravarthy playing pivotal roles. With Australia up next, India will aim to carry this momentum into the knockout stage and edge closer to the Champions Trophy title.

📌 Stay tuned for more updates on Champions Trophy 2025!