Dubai: India triumphed over New Zealand by 44 runs in their ICC Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Sunday. After opting to bat first, India posted a total of 249/9 in their 50 overs, setting a target of 250 for New Zealand.
New Zealand, in pursuit of the target, was bowled out for 205 runs, handing India the victory. This result propelled India to the top of Group A, securing a semifinal clash with Australia on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Group B toppers South Africa will face New Zealand in the second semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. Despite a valiant 81-run knock from Kane Williamson, who fought hard to keep New Zealand in the hunt, the Kiwi team fell short of the target. Varun Chakaravarthy was the standout performer for India, claiming five wickets for 42 runs, as New Zealand struggled against his spell. Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja each took a wicket to help close out the match.
Earlier, India’s innings was anchored by Shreyas Iyer, who scored a composed 79 off 98 balls. Iyer formed a crucial 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls), while Hardik Pandya’s quick-fire 45 off 45 balls lifted India’s total. Despite a top-order collapse, India managed to reach 249/9, thanks to their lower-order resilience. New Zealand’s Mark Henry kept the pressure on India but was unable to prevent their recovery.
This victory marks India’s third consecutive win in the tournament, having previously defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the other hand, New Zealand suffered its first defeat after beating both Pakistan and Bangladesh. With this win, India remains at the top of Group A with 6 points from 3 matches, while New Zealand sits in second place with 4 points from 3 matches. Bangladesh and Pakistan, already eliminated, occupy the third and fourth spots, respectively.
