India Clinches a Dominant Victory Against New Zealand
India emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a 44-run win and topping Group A. The match, played at the Dubai International Stadium, witnessed an intense battle, but Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul ensured India’s triumph. With this win, India advances to the semi-finals, where they will face Australia, while New Zealand will take on South Africa.
Match Summary: IND vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025
Match Details | Information |
Match | India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 |
Venue | Dubai International Stadium |
Date | March 1, 2025 |
Result | India won by 44 runs |
Man of the Match | Varun Chakravarthy (5 wickets) |
India’s Batting Performance
Batting first after losing the toss, India posted a competitive total of 249/9 in 50 overs. Despite early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant knock of 79 runs off 98 balls anchored India’s innings. Contributions from Hardik Pandya (45 off 45) and Axar Patel (42 off 61) further strengthened India’s total.
Indian Innings Breakdown
Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
Rohit Sharma (c) | 15 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 88.24 |
Shubman Gill | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28.57 |
Virat Kohli | 11 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 78.57 |
Shreyas Iyer | 79 | 98 | 4 | 2 | 80.61 |
Axar Patel | 42 | 61 | 3 | 1 | 68.85 |
KL Rahul (wk) | 23 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 79.31 |
Hardik Pandya | 45 | 45 | 4 | 2 | 100.00 |
Ravindra Jadeja | 16 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 |
Mohammed Shami | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 62.50 |
Kuldeep Yadav | 1* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Key Highlights:
- Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul (5/42 in 8 overs) troubled India’s top order.
- Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel’s crucial partnership rescued India from an early collapse (30/3 in 7 overs).
- Hardik Pandya’s late aggression helped India cross the 240-run mark.
New Zealand’s Chase: Varun Chakravarthy’s Magic Seals India’s Win
Chasing a target of 250, New Zealand put up a tough fight but was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs. Kane Williamson top-scored with 81 runs, but India’s bowlers ensured that the Kiwis fell short by 44 runs. The star performer was Varun Chakravarthy, who picked up 5 wickets for 42 runs, dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup.
New Zealand Innings Breakdown
Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
Will Young | 22 | 35 | 3 | 0 | 62.86 |
Rachin Ravindra | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
Kane Williamson | 81 | 120 | 7 | 0 | 67.50 |
Daryl Mitchell | 17 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 48.57 |
Tom Latham (wk) | 14 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 70.00 |
Glenn Phillips | 12 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 150.00 |
Michael Bracewell | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
Mitchell Santner (c) | 28 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 90.32 |
Matt Henry | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
Kyle Jamieson | 9* | 4 | 0 | 1 | 225.00 |
William O’Rourke | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
Key Highlights:
- Kane Williamson’s 81-run knock kept New Zealand in the game.
- Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant 5-wicket haul turned the match in India’s favor.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel chipped in with crucial wickets to restrict New Zealand.
India’s Bowling Performance
Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy Rate |
Mohammed Shami | 4 | 15 | 0 | 3.80 |
Hardik Pandya | 4 | 22 | 1 | 5.50 |
Axar Patel | 10 | 32 | 1 | 3.20 |
Varun Chakravarthy | 10 | 42 | 5 | 4.20 |
Kuldeep Yadav | 9.3 | 56 | 2 | 5.90 |
Ravindra Jadeja | 8 | 36 | 1 | 4.50 |
India vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head in ICC Tournaments
New Zealand has historically had the upper hand against India in ICC events, winning 10 times compared to India’s 5 wins. However, India’s victory in this crucial match boosts their confidence heading into the semi-finals.
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head in ICC Events
Tournament | Result |
2019 ODI World Cup Semi-Final | New Zealand won |
2021 WTC Final | New Zealand won |
2023 ODI World Cup Semi-Final | India won |
2025 Champions Trophy Group Stage | India won |
What’s Next for India and New Zealand?
With this victory, India will face Australia in the semi-finals, a high-stakes clash that promises fireworks. Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on South Africa in the other semi-final.
Upcoming Semi-Final Matches:
Match | Date | Venue |
India vs Australia | March 5, 2025 | Dubai International Stadium |
New Zealand vs South Africa | March 6, 2025 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
Conclusion
India’s thrilling 44-run victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 was a testament to their resilience and skill. Varun Chakravarthy’s match-winning performance, along with crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, led India to the top of Group A. With the semi-final clash against Australia looming, India will look to continue their winning momentum.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Champions Trophy 2025!
