India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in Dubai on Sunday to wrap up the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group round. This victory solidified the semi-final lineup, securing two eagerly awaited matchups in the elimination phase.
Following their victory over the Kiwis, India took the lead in Group A with six points, while New Zealand came in second. The first semi-final, which is set for Tuesday in Dubai, will now pit India against Australia. At the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, South Africa, the leaders of Group B, will face New Zealand in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
After victories over Afghanistan and England, South Africa finished first in Group B with five points. However, the continuous rain caused their match versus Australia to be canceled.
The stage is set for the last 4️⃣ to compete for the 🏆 next!
🇮🇳 🆚 🇦🇺
🇿🇦 🆚 🇳🇿#ChampionsTrophy | ✍️: https://t.co/qd9rXYANc6 pic.twitter.com/Xke135eBef— ICC (@ICC) March 2, 2025
Thriller: India vs. New Zealand
The Blackcaps chose to bowl first after winning the toss in India vs. New Zealand’s last group-stage match. Early in the innings, the Indian top order faltered as the team was down to 30/3. But the innings was stabilized by a 98-run partnership between Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (79).
A vital 41-run partnership between Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (16 off 20 balls) allowed India to produce a competitive total of 249/9 in 50 overs despite losing important wickets, such as KL Rahul (23 off 29 balls). The most impressive bowler was Matt Henry of New Zealand, who took 5/42 in his eight-over stint.
New Zealand, who needed to win by 250 runs, lost wickets often, with captain Kane Williamson (81 off 120 balls) serving as the Kiwis’ lone fighter. But the middle order was destroyed by India’s spin attack, which was headed by Varun Chakravarthy (5/42). Kuldeep Yadav (2/56) and Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed one wicket apiece.
Fans are excitedly awaiting the high-stakes matches as the semi-finals are set, with South Africa and New Zealand vying for a berth in the final and India hoping to exact revenge for their past ICC knockout round losses to Australia.
