Yesterday, March 2, 2025, cricket fans witnessed an electrifying clash between two unbeaten giants—India and New Zealand—in the final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. What unfolded was a classic ODI battle, where India’s spin mastery and resilience outshone New Zealand’s grit, securing a 44-run victory and the top spot in their group. Let’s dive into the highlights of this thrilling encounter!
A Rocky Start for India
The match began with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner winning the toss and opting to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Kiwi pace attack, led by Matt Henry, exploited the seaming conditions brilliantly. India’s top order crumbled to 30/3 within 6.4 overs, with Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli falling early. Henry’s precision and Glenn Phillips’ spectacular catch to dismiss Kohli left India in a precarious position.
However, this Indian side, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, has shown time and again that they thrive under pressure. Shreyas Iyer (79 off 63) and Axar Patel (42 off 61) stitched together a crucial 98-run partnership, blending caution with calculated aggression. Iyer’s composed knock, punctuated by timely boundaries, and Axar’s steady support revived India’s innings. Hardik Pandya’s late flourish of 45 off 45 balls further boosted the total, helping India post a competitive 249/9 in 50 overs. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with an impressive 5-42.
New Zealand’s Chase: Williamson vs. India’s Spinners
Chasing 250 on a pitch that slowed down and offered grip, New Zealand needed a solid start. However, India’s spin quartet—Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja—had other plans. Chakravarthy, making his Champions Trophy debut, turned the game on its head with a sensational 5-42, the best bowling figures of the tournament so far. His variations bamboozled the Kiwi batters, starting with Will Young and extending to Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s rock, waged a lone battle with a gritty 81 off 120 balls. His elegance—nudge here, glance there, and the occasional inside-out shot—kept the chase alive. A 40-run stand with Tom Latham (14) provided brief hope, but the mounting required rate and India’s relentless spin choke proved too much. Williamson’s dismissal, stumped off Axar Patel’s fuller delivery by KL Rahul, effectively sealed New Zealand’s fate. The Kiwis were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, falling 44 runs short.
Key Moments and Standout Performances
- Varun Chakravarthy’s Redemption: After a forgettable 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai, Chakravarthy returned to the same venue with a point to prove. His five-wicket haul, including key scalps like Santner and Matt Henry, earned him the Player of the Match award. “I was nervous initially, but the team’s support helped me settle,” he said post-match.
- Shreyas Iyer’s Anchor Role: Iyer’s 79 was the backbone of India’s innings, showcasing his ability to adapt and build on a tricky surface.
- Kane Williamson’s Lone Fight: Despite the loss, Williamson’s 81 underlined why he remains one of the world’s best ODI batsmen.
- Matt Henry’s Brilliance: Henry’s 5-42 with the new ball set the tone for New Zealand, though their spinners couldn’t replicate the impact.
What This Means for the Semifinals
With this win, India finished atop Group A, setting up a blockbuster semifinal against Australia on Tuesday, March 4, in Dubai—a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. New Zealand, despite the loss, qualified as the second-placed team and will face South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5. Both teams displayed their strengths yesterday, but India’s spin dominance and depth give them an edge heading into the knockouts.
Final Thoughts
This match was a testament to India’s never-say-die attitude and their ability to turn games from dire situations. For New Zealand, it was a rare off-day against a side they’ve historically troubled in ICC events. As the Champions Trophy 2025 heads into the business end, yesterday’s clash offered a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. Can India maintain their momentum against a formidable Australia? Will New Zealand bounce back in Pakistan? The stage is set for an epic conclusion!
What did you think of the match? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates as the semifinals approach!
