India continued their dominant run in the ICC Champions Trophy, securing a commanding victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With this win, India finished atop Group A with a perfect record, winning all three of their matches. The result sets up a high-stakes semi-final against Australia, while New Zealand, finishing second in the group, will face South Africa in the other semi-final.
India’s Unbeaten Run Secures Semi-Final Spot
Star spinner Varun Chakravarthy delivered a match-winning performance, taking 5-42 as India sealed a 44-run victory over New Zealand on Sunday. The win confirmed India’s place at the top of Group A, ensuring they will face Australia in the semi-finals in Dubai on Tuesday.
“It was important to finish the group stage on a high,” said India captain Rohit Sharma. “New Zealand is a quality side, so getting this result was crucial. We played a near-perfect game.”
Venue Controversy: India’s Fixed Schedule Raises Questions
India has played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium due to their refusal to travel to host nation Pakistan, citing security concerns. As a result, teams like Australia and South Africa were forced to travel between Pakistan and the UAE without knowing where they would play their knockout matches.
India was pre-assigned to the first semi-final in Dubai, regardless of their group standings, while South Africa must now return to Pakistan for their semi-final clash against New Zealand in Lahore.
India’s Batting Overcomes Early Setback
After being put in to bat, India posted a competitive 249/9, thanks to a crucial 79 from Shreyas Iyer and a late 45-run cameo from Hardik Pandya.
India was in early trouble at 30/3 after Virat Kohli, playing his 300th ODI, fell for 11 to a stunning one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips. However, Iyer and Axar Patel (42) steadied the innings with a crucial 98-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Pandya’s late onslaught—featuring four fours and two sixes—helped India cross the 240-mark. New Zealand’s Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 5-42 from his eight overs.
Chakravarthy Spins India to Victory
In response, New Zealand was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, with captain Kane Williamson’s resilient 81 off 120 balls being the lone bright spot.
India’s spinners dominated in the turning conditions, with Chakravarthy’s 5-42 marking the best-ever figures by an Indian on Champions Trophy debut, surpassing Mohammed Shami’s 5-53 earlier in the tournament.
Semi-Final Showdowns Await
With this victory, India set up a blockbuster semi-final clash with six-time world champions Australia in Dubai.
“Australia has a history of excelling in ICC tournaments, but our focus is on executing our plans well on the day,” said Rohit Sharma. “It will be a great contest, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday in the second semi-final as the race for the final intensifies.
