NEW DELHI: India secured their place at the top of Group A with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage fixture of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With the tournament now heading into the semi-finals, India are set for a high-stakes clash against Australia on Tuesday, March 4, in Dubai.
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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri weighed in on the team’s selection for the upcoming fixture, advocating for continuity in the playing XI given the quick turnaround.
“The square is a little tired at the moment, people have run on the pitch that is going to be used the day after, so the spinners will again come into play,” Shastri said, emphasising the importance of India’s spin attack.
India fielded a four-pronged spin unit in their match against New Zealand, with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and the relatively new Varun Chakravarthy leading the charge, while pacer Harshit Rana was rested. The strategy paid dividends as the spinners bowled 37.3 overs, accounting for nine of the ten New Zealand wickets, with Chakravarthy starring with a five-wicket haul.
The spin-heavy attack successfully defended a target of 250, restricting New Zealand’s batting lineup on a sluggish Dubai surface. Given the conditions and their proven success, Shastri is confident that a similar approach will work in the semi-final.
“So if you bat first, put anything over 240-250, it’s going to be very competitive in a big game like a semi-final,” Shastri said, underlining the need for a solid first-innings total to apply scoreboard pressure.
India will now focus on maintaining their winning momentum against a formidable Australian side, with their spin arsenal expected to play a crucial role in the much-anticipated knockout clash.
