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The Dubai International Cricket Stadium witnessed a competitive first innings as New Zealand took on India in the 12th match of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, New Zealand’s bowlers put on an impressive display, restricting India to a total of 249/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Early setbacks for India
Starting the innings, India faced immediate pressure from New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill struggled to find rhythm, with Gill departing early for just 2 runs off 7 deliveries. Rohit Sharma attempted to counter-attack but could only manage 15 runs off 17 balls, including one four and a six, before being dismissed.
The most thrilling moment came when Glenn Phillips executed a spectacular catch at backward point to dismiss Virat Kohli for 11 runs off 14 balls. Kohli’s stay was brief but featured two glorious boundaries, and his dismissal was a testament to New Zealand’s fielding prowess.
Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips takes a flying catch to dismiss Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma’s reaction says it all | Champions Trophy 2025
Middle-order resurgence: Shreyas Iyer’s half-century
Despite the early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer led India’s recovery with a composed innings of 79 runs off 98 balls. His brilliant performance, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, provided India with some much-needed stability. Alongside him, Axar Patel contributed a valuable 42 runs from 61 balls, hitting three fours and a six to propel the innings forward.
India’s middle order received further support from Hardik Pandya, who scored 45 runs off 45 deliveries, which included 4 fours and two towering sixes. His aggressive approach during the middle overs helped India inch toward a respectable total.
India finish at 249/9 in their stipulated overs
Scorecard: https://t.co/PiKT2EcQmu#cricket #INDvNZ #NZvIND #ODI #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/LVP4PP8lR6
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 2, 2025
New Zealand’s bowling brilliance: Matt Henry’s fifer
New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by a phenomenal performance from Matt Henry, was key to containing India’s score. Henry was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with remarkable figures of 5 wickets for 42 runs in his 8 overs. His ability to extract movement and maintain accuracy proved crucial in dismantling India’s batting lineup.
Kyle Jamieson provided vital support, claiming 1 wicket for 31 runs in his 8 overs, while William O’Rourke chipped in with a diligent performance, taking 1 wicket for 47 runs across his 9 overs. Mitchell Santner demonstrated his all-round proficiency by maintaining pressure with his left-arm spin, conceding 41 runs and picking up a wicket in his full quota of 10 overs. Rachin Ravindra also made his mark, capturing a wicket in his 6 overs while giving away 31 runs.
Can India fight back with the ball?
With 250 runs as the target, New Zealand’s batters will look to sustain their team’s momentum in the run chase. India, on the other hand, will rely on their bowlers to compensate for the batting lapses and fight back to defend a challenging score on a pitch known for its variable bounce. The second innings promises to be an exciting display of cricketing strategy and skill in this crucial ICC Champions Trophy clash.
