Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul against New Zealand guides India to top Group A

Varun Chakravarthy’s outstanding five-wicket haul helped India defend a modest total of 250, as they defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the final group-stage match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 250, New Zealand’s batting line-up collapsed for just 205 runs, despite a fighting half-century from Kane Williamson. 

Williamson was the top scorer for New Zealand with 81 runs off 120 balls, including seven boundaries. He fought a lone battle against India’s strong spin attack. Skipper Mitchell Santner contributed 28 runs, while opener Will Young added 22. However, the rest of the batting order struggled and fell cheaply.

Chakravarthy was the standout bowler for India, claiming five wickets for just 42 runs in his 10 overs. Kuldeep Yadav also supported well, taking two wickets.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bowl first proved to be a good one as their bowlers dominated the Indian batting. India were restricted to 249/9 in their 50 overs.

India got off to a shaky start as Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry ripped through their top order. Shubman Gill was dismissed for just 2, Rohit Sharma managed 15, and Virat Kohli was out for 11, leaving India in a difficult position at 30/3 in the 6.4 overs.

Following the early collapse, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel came together to stabilize the innings. The pair added a crucial 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Patel was dismissed by Rachin Ravindra for 42 off 61 balls, which included three boundaries and a six.

Iyer then formed a brief 44-run partnership with KL Rahul before he was dismissed for 79 runs off 98 balls, which included four fours and two sixes.

After Iyer’s dismissal, India lost two more quick wickets, slipping to 223/7 in 45.5 overs. However, a quick-fire 45-run cameo from Hardik Pandya towards the end boosted India’s total to a competitive 249/9.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry was the standout bowler, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs in eight overs. Jamieson, O’Rourke, Santner, and Ravindra each took one wicket.

India’s win over New Zealand secured them a crucial victory as they move ahead in the ICC Champions Trophy tournament.