In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Group A India vs New Zealand game at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, New Zealand faltered in their chase after losing both the openers early. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who replaced Harshit Rana in the Indian squad, impressed immediately by dismissing Will Young, who was deceived by a googly and chopped the ball onto his stumps. (firstpost.com)
After the fielding restrictions got over, India's spin pair, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy, tightened the screws on New Zealand batsmen. Runs ran dry as Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell struggled to get gaps on the sluggish Dubai surface. Both ends under attack in such a compact manner made scoring challenging, and hence there was an unprecedented decline in New Zealand's run rate. (firstpost.com)
New Zealand's bowlers, however, spearheaded by Matt Henry with five for 42, in the first part of the game posted a gritty performance restricting India to 249/9. India was guided in its highest total by Shreyas Iyer with a gritty 79, which was achieved from a crucial 98-run fourth-wicket stand with Axar Patel, who contributed 42 runs. India returned from early losses with this partnership. Hardik Pandya subsequently added a run-a-ball 45, taking India to the threshold of the 250-run mark. (livemint.com)
New Zealand's reply was, in turn, faced with early hurdles. Rachin Ravindra was the initial casualty, caught out by Hardik Pandya's bowling. Will Young's dismissal at the hands of Chakravarthy left New Zealand at 49/2 in 12 overs. Pressure mounted as the Indian spinners maintained a firm grip, mounting difficulties for the Kiwis to score runs. (firstpost.com)
Kane Williamson attempted to break the shackles with a boundary off Axar Patel, but the overall rate of scoring was subdued. Daryl Mitchell, ten balls to score his first run, struggled to get going. New Zealand were 64/2 at the 17-over stage, and this reflected how well India's spin had clicked on the slow track. (firstpost.com)
Not only did this match determine the group leader but also gave both teams a sneak peek at their strategy and performances prior to the semi-finals. Both teams already qualified for the knockout stage, this match turned out to be a critical test of stamina and agility under pressure. (firstpost.com)
For live ball-by-ball commentary and precise statistics, viewers can refer to ESPN Cricinfo's live score. (espncricinfo.com) In-depth analysis and live updates for this match can be found on Cricbuzz. (cricbuzz.com)
With the Champions Trophy ongoing, India and New Zealand both aim to perfect their game plans, hoping to lift the highly prized trophy. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the outcome of the upcoming semi-finals, wishing for good cricket and edge-of-the-seat finishes.