India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash, finishing at the top of Group A with six points. Despite the loss, New Zealand secured the second spot with four points, setting up an exciting semi-final lineup.
India’s Strong Batting Performance
Batting first, India posted 249/9 in 50 overs. Shreyas Iyer led the charge with a solid 79 off 98 balls, while Hardik Pandya (45 off 45) and Axar Patel (42 off 61) provided crucial contributions in the middle order. Despite a five-wicket haul from Matt Henry (5/42 in 8 overs), India set a challenging total. Kyle Jamieson (1/31) and Rachin Ravindra (1/31) also chipped in with essential breakthroughs.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Magic with the Ball
Chasing 250, New Zealand struggled against India’s spin attack. Kane Williamson (81 off 120 balls) played a fighting knock but lacked support from other batters. Mitchell Santner (28 off 31) and Will Young (22 off 35) provided brief resistance, but the team was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
India’s Varun Chakaravarthy stole the show, claiming a sensational 5/42 in 10 overs, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order. Kuldeep Yadav (2/56) and Hardik Pandya (1/22) added pressure, sealing India’s dominant win.
India and New Zealand Qualify for Semi-Finals
With this victory, India finished at the top of Group A and headed into the semi-finals with momentum. New Zealand, despite the loss, secured a place in the next stage and promised an exciting knockout battle in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
