India emerged victorious against New Zealand in the final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a commanding 44-run win at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
This result solidifies India’s position as the Group A leader heading into the knockout phase.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 249 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. New Zealand, in response, faltered in their chase and were bowled out for 205 runs in 45.3 overs, thanks to India’s disciplined bowling attack. The win ensures India’s momentum remains strong as they prepare for the high-stakes semifinals.
With this match concluding the group stage of the tournament, four teams—India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia—have advanced to the knockout rounds. Remarkably, these four teams also made it to the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The first semifinal, featuring India and Australia, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Stadium. The second semifinal, between New Zealand and South Africa, will take place on Wednesday, March 5, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Both matches are set to begin at 2:30 PM IST (9:00 AM GMT), with pre-match coverage providing fans with all the excitement leading up to the crucial encounters.
India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of finishing the group stage on a high note. He acknowledged New Zealand’s strong form in recent years and credited key partnerships from Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel for stabilizing India’s innings. Rohit also lauded the bowling unit, particularly Varun Chakaravarthy, whose five-wicket haul played a pivotal role in dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup.
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, admitted that the sluggish pitch conditions took them by surprise and praised India’s ability to apply pressure with both bat and ball. He highlighted Kane Williamson’s return to form as a positive takeaway despite the team falling short in their chase.
Varun Chakaravarthy was named Player of the Match for his exceptional five-wicket haul. He credited the team’s support, particularly from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, for helping him settle into the game. His performance underscored India’s depth in bowling and their ability to adapt to different conditions.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson made early inroads, dismissing India’s top three batsmen within the first Powerplay. However, a resilient 98-run partnership between Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Henry’s five-wicket haul, ensured India couldn’t accelerate in the death overs, but the total proved sufficient on a turning pitch.
New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Kane Williamson, but India’s spin trio applied relentless pressure, taking wickets at regular intervals. Axar Patel’s crucial dismissal of Williamson shifted the balance decisively in India’s favor, and Chakaravarthy wrapped up the tail to seal a comfortable win.
India’s triumph in this match means they head into the semifinals with an unbeaten record in the group stage. They now turn their focus to the high-stakes clash against Australia, while New Zealand prepares to face South Africa in Lahore. With the competition heating up, India will be eager to maintain their dominant form and push for another ICC title.
