• India produced a dominant performance to defeat New Zealand by 44 runs in their final Group A Champions Trophy 2025 match.

  • Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the show, picking a sensational five-wicket haul.

Champions Trophy 2025: Fans erupt as India seals a semifinal clash with Australia after Varun Chakravarthy destroys New Zealand
Champions Trophy 2025 (Image Source: X)

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India produced a dominant performance to defeat New Zealand by 44 runs in their final Group A  Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing their place at the top of the group. Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the show, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul (5/42) as India successfully defended a target of 250 runs. Earlier, Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 and Hardik Pandya’s late surge (45 off 45) helped India post a competitive 249/9. Despite Kane Williamson’s fighting knock of 81, New Zealand faltered against India’s well-rounded bowling attack.

Shreyas Iyer steadies India after top-order collapse

After being put in to bat, India suffered an early setback, losing Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15) and Virat Kohli (11) inside the powerplay as Matt Henry’s fiery spell (5/42) left them reeling at 30/3 in the seventh over. However, Iyer and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) rebuilt the innings with a crucial 98-run partnership, navigating New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Iyer mixed caution with aggression, reaching his half-century in 75 balls before accelerating. However, he missed out on a century after falling to Will O’Rourke (1/47). Hardik then played a counter-attacking knock, hitting four fours and two sixes to push India past 240 before they ended at 249/9 in 50 overs.

Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket magic dismantles New Zealand

New Zealand’s chase started cautiously, but Chakravarthy changed the game with a brilliant spell of 5/42, his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Will Young (22) and Rachin Ravindra (6) fell early, before Williamson and Daryl Mitchell (17) steadied the innings. However, Kuldeep Yadav (1/40) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/36) applied pressure, leading to a collapse in the middle overs. Williamson fought hard but was stumped by KL Rahul off Axar Patel in the 41st over, leaving New Zealand at 169/7. The tailenders failed to counter Chakravarthy’s sharp spin, and New Zealand was eventually restricted to 184/7 in 43 overs, falling short by 65 runs.

Also WATCH: Axar Patel dents New Zealand’s chase by removing Kane Williamson in the Champions Trophy 2025

India sets up Champions Trophy 2025  semifinal clash against Australia

With this victory, India finished as Group A toppers and will now face arch-rivals in recent times, Australia in the semifinal on March 4 in Dubai, setting up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on Group B toppers South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on March 5. India’s dominant bowling performance, led by Chakravarthy, showcased their strength in defending totals, a key aspect heading into the knockout stage. The team will take confidence from their balanced squad, with both batters and bowlers stepping up at crucial moments. With Australia posing a significant challenge, India will need another all-round effort to book their place in the final and keep their dream of lifting the Champions Trophy alive.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Kane Williamson’s stunning one-handed catch stuns India in the Champions Trophy 2025

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