NZ vs IND Review: Dominant India finishes the group stage on a high

India locked horns with New Zealand in the last match in the group stage of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 2, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

India were asked to bat first by Mitchell Santner after he won the toss. However, the Men in Blue didn’t have the ideal start as they lost their top three batters inside the first seven overs.

Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel resurrected the innings by adding a crucial 98-run stand. Axar was dismissed for 42 before KL Rahul walked out to the middle. Iyer departed for a well-compiled 79, and Rahul also went back shortly afterward.

Hardik Pandya played a fine hand as his run-a-ball 45 helped the Men in Blue reach a total of 249/9 in 50 overs. Matt Henry bagged a five-for for the Kiwis.

In reply, New Zealand lost the dangerous Rachin Ravindra in the fourth over. Kane Williamson got off to a brisk start, but the other New Zealand batters kept throwing their wickets away after getting starts.

Varun Chakaravarthy bamboozled the Kiwis with his mystery bowling. The pitch also offered turn, making things tougher for New Zealand.

Wickets kept tumbling through the middle overs while Williamson held fort. He was eventually dismissed by Axar Patel for a 120-ball 81.

Mitchell Santner tried to take New Zealand to an improbable win but perished in his pursuit of quick runs. India eventually won the match by 44 runs as New Zealand was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.

Top performers of the match

Shreyas Iyer – 79 off 98 balls

Shreyas continued his exemplary form at No. 4, playing yet another vital knock under pressure. He scored 79 off 98 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.

Varun Chakaravarthy – 5/42

Chakaravarthy bowled cleverly as he used the suitable conditions to his advantage. He eventually finished with figures of 5/42 in 10 overs.

What’s next for the two teams?

India will take on Australia in the first semifinal on March 4. Meanwhile, South Africa will square off against New Zealand in the second semifinal on March 5.