By Zainab Shafiq 
India registered a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in their Group A encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A clinical bowling display, led by Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul, ensured India successfully defended their total of 249/9, restricting New Zealand to 205 in 45.3 overs.
India’s Innings: Steady Recovery After Early Setbacks
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, India suffered an early collapse as the top three batters fell within the powerplay. Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15), and Virat Kohli (11) departed cheaply, leaving India reeling at 30/3.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel then steadied the ship with a crucial 98-run partnership. Iyer played a composed knock of 79 from 98 balls, anchoring the innings, while Patel contributed a valuable 42 off 61 deliveries.
After their dismissals, Hardik Pandya took charge with an aggressive 45 off 45 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Contributions from KL Rahul (23) and Ravindra Jadeja (16) pushed India to a respectable total of 249/9 in their 50 overs.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul (5/42). Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra chipped in with a wicket each, but India’s middle-order resilience proved vital.
New Zealand’s Chase: Williamson Fights, But Chakravarthy Decimates
Chasing 250, New Zealand also faced early hurdles as Rachin Ravindra (6) and Will Young (22) fell within the first 12 overs. Skipper Kane Williamson held the innings together with a determined 81 off 120 balls, but lacked support from the other end.
Daryl Mitchell (17), Tom Latham (14), and Glenn Phillips (12) failed to build on their starts. The lower middle order collapsed against India’s spin attack, with Michael Bracewell (2), Mitchell Santner (28), and Matt Henry (2) failing to revive the chase.
Varun Chakravarthy was the wrecker-in-chief, dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup with figures of 5/42. His spell, marked by sharp turn and deceptive variations, broke New Zealand’s back. Kuldeep Yadav (2/56), Axar Patel (1/32), Hardik Pandya (1/22), and Ravindra Jadeja (1/36) provided excellent support.
New Zealand were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, falling short by 44 runs.
Varun Chakravarthy was adjudged Player of the Match for his game-changing five-wicket haul. His impactful spell ensured India seized control in the middle overs and secured their second win of the tournament.
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