India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025: Varun's 5-for seals 51-run win

Photo: AP

India defeated New Zealand by 51 runs in the Champions Trophy 2025, securing their third consecutive win and topping Group A. With this victory, India set up a semi-final clash against Australia on Tuesday. The match occurred in Karachi, where Indian spinners were crucial in dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup.

Batting first, India posted a total of 249/9 in 50 overs. The innings began on a shaky note as the top-order batsmen struggled against the disciplined Kiwi bowling attack. However, Shreyas Iyer stepped up with a brilliant knock of 79 runs, stabilizing the innings. He formed a crucial partnership of 98 runs with Axar Patel, who contributed 38 runs, helping India recover from early setbacks. Hardik Pandya added valuable runs in the later part of the innings, scoring 45 off 45 balls to push India's total close to the 250-run mark.

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Chasing 250, New Zealand faced a tough challenge against India's spin bowlers. Varun Chakravarthy led the charge with an outstanding performance, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs — his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs. The Indian spinners dominated the game, claiming 9 out of the 10 wickets. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel supported Chakravarthy with two wickets each, making it difficult for the New Zealand batters to build partnerships.

New Zealand's innings folded at 205 runs in 46.3 overs. Daryl Mitchell was the top scorer for the Kiwis, making 57 runs, but none of the other batters could provide significant support. The disciplined bowling attack ensured India’s victory by 51 runs.

With this win, India finished at the top of Group A and will face Australia in the semi-final. The spinners' exceptional performance and key contributions from Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya proved vital in India's triumph.