India ended the group stages undefeated as a 44-run victory propelled them to a semi-finals spot against Australia in Dubai. Shreyas Iyer’s 79, coupled with Varun Chakaravarthy’s fifer and all-round glitz, eclipsed Kane Williamson’s fighting 81 to bow off the group stages with a convincing victory.
As the two unbeaten sides of Group A squared off against one another, Mitchell Santner’s decision to field first paid dividends. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson opened the wickets account for the Kiwis, with the former getting rid of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli and the latter outwitting Kyle Jamieson in a 37-run powerplay. Subsequently, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul played the pacers and spinners cautiously with a maiden of Mitchell Santner during the early phase of second powerplay. The right and left-handed duo steered India to 104/3 in 25 overs before switching gears, and Shreyas reached his fifty. Just when the partnership was nearing a century, Axar departed for 42, followed by a few tonks from the Mumbaikar before falling after the second refreshment break. By the 40th over, India had already lost half a dozen before Hardik Pandya’s run-a-ball 45 under Jadeja and the tail’s guidance propelled India to 249/9 in 50 overs.
In reply, Hardik Pandya got the better of Rachin Ravindra in the sixth over before a brief stand between Will Young and Kane Williamson concluded, courtesy of Varun Chakaravarthy’s wrong’un. Under scratchy-looking Daryl Mitchell’s presence, Williamson kept ticking the scoreboard as the pair negated spin for a good time, adding 44 runs together. Subsequently, a 40-run stand followed before Ravindra Jadeja trapped Tom Latham plumb in front, making way for Varun’s couple of wickets followed by Axar outwitting Williamson for 81. At 41 overs, New Zealand was 169/7 when Mitchell Santner tried to take it deep before Varun Chakaravarthy earned his fifer with back-to-back scalps, leading to a 44-run victory.
Outrageous catch by Glenn Phillips to dismiss Kohli? Sure
But not enough to impress Jadeja.
Seems like what he’s saying is that it was just a regulation catch but Phillips exaggerated the effort by diving and stretching his arms further more 😂pic.twitter.com/soaCuB2LqI— Jitto Thomas (@jobhihoe) March 2, 2025
Wow!!
Varun Chakravarthy Unplayable 💥💥🤯
Mitchell Santner Dismissed For 28(30)#INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy #VarunChakaravarthy #ChampionsTrophy2025 #CT2025 pic.twitter.com/Dgl08clsAU— Mr.Professor (@EpicViralHub_) March 2, 2025
Maiden fifer for Varun Chakravarthy. What a spell. Bring on Australia. Bring on Head. Keema banana hai uska.
— Ripson Lobo (@Ripsylobo12) March 2, 2025
Fifer!
Superb!
VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY!
BHAIIII. 🙏
Kya khaake utre the aaj?
5-42!!! Uh-mazing!!!!!!!!!! #indvsnz— Shivya Malhotra Kohli (@MalhotraShivya) March 2, 2025
Nz all out for 205!! Ind v Aus in the first semi-final#INDvsNZ #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy #ChampionsTrophy2025
— The Gandhi (@DeshkaBaapu) March 2, 2025
True!
Congrats Team India!
Congratulations Team India 🇮🇳 #INDvNZ
— 🇮🇳 Esha(এষা) SenGupto Dethe (@D_Esha23) March 2, 2025
India won by 44 run 👏👏👏👏#INDvNZ #INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/BGSzTZgKw7
— Satya (@duary_satyajit) March 2, 2025
Simply Amazing!
What a comeback and an incredible fight! Congratulations, team India! You were and always will be champions. #INDvNZ 🇮🇳♥️
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) March 2, 2025
Won!
Amazing win India!! Resilience from the bowlers were mind-blowing to watch! #INDvNZ
— Sumit Sarkar Tito :): (@Sumitfloyd) March 2, 2025
