India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to reach the semifinals against Australia, reminiscent of the recent World Cup final. Varun Chakravarthy starred with a 5-wicket haul, while Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya contributed crucial runs to India’s total of 249. New Zealand, despite strong efforts from Kane Williamson, was bowled out for 205.
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India triumphed over New Zealand by 44 runs, securing a semifinal match against Australia, reminiscent of the recent Cricket World Cup final. Bowling standout Varun Chakravarthy delivered an impressive performance, recording figures of 5-42, which played a crucial role in dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup.
India excelled during the group stage, winning all three matches to finish at the top of Group A. The highly anticipated semifinal will take place in Dubai on Tuesday, where India, having previously declined to tour Pakistan due to security concerns, is playing all its matches. New Zealand now prepares to face South Africa, the winners of Group B, in Lahore.
Shreyas Iyer made a substantive contribution with 79 runs, while Hardik Pandya added a significant 45 runs to help India to a total of 249-9 after being put in to bat first. New Zealand’s Matt Henry shone as well, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs in 8 overs.
Despite Kane Williamson’s valiant innings of 81 runs, New Zealand was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs. Chakravarthy’s performance marked his first five-wicket haul in One Day Internationals within just his second match. Throughout the innings, India’s spinners thrived, taking critical wickets at essential moments.
India faced early challenges, falling to 30-3, but Iyer and Axar Patel combined for a pivotal partnership of 98 runs to stabilize the innings. Kohli’s dismissal, although surprising, was a result of a remarkable one-handed catch from Glenn Phillips, leaving the crowd in astonishment. With crucial contributions from his teammates, Pandya’s aggressive style ultimately set a competitive total for New Zealand to chase.
In conclusion, India demonstrated resilience and skill in their victory against New Zealand, underpinned by exceptional bowling from Varun Chakravarthy and crucial batting contributions from Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya. The upcoming semifinal against Australia promises to be another thrilling encounter, as both teams look to secure a place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
