NEW DELHI: India capped off their Group A campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand, thanks to Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 and Varun Chakaravarthy’s stellar 5/42.
The win secured India’s place at the top of the table and set up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with Australia.
Despite Iyer’s fighting knock, India struggled early, losing three wickets for just 30 runs. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry produced a lethal spell, finishing with figures of 5/42 and restricting India to a modest 249/9. However, India’s spinners ensured it was enough as they bowled out the Blackcaps for 205 in 45.3 overs.
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After the match, Chakaravarthy admitted to initial nerves but credited his senior teammates for keeping him calm.
“In 2021, I didn’t have a great tournament in Dubai, looks good right now. Team is doing well and it feels good. I was nervous during my first spell, previous outings here were playing on my mind. Virat bhai, Hardik bhai, Rohit bhai helped me keep my calm,” Chakaravarthy said.
He also reflected on how adapting his approach helped his success, adding, “I try to sequence my spell in T20s and it’s a bit different in 50-over. Playing domestic cricket helped my awareness and allowed me to plan my spells better. It’s more of a patience game as the ball didn’t turn fast, it turned slow. The pitch was not a rank turner.”
India’s spin attack was at its best, with Chakaravarthy leading the charge. His precise line and variations troubled New Zealand’s batters throughout their innings. Kane Williamson waged a lone battle with a classy 81 but lacked support as wickets kept tumbling.
New Zealand’s chase never gained momentum after Hardik Pandya struck early to dismiss Rachin Ravindra. Williamson built a steady 44-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell, but Kuldeep Yadav broke the stand by trapping Mitchell lbw. The dismissals of Tom Latham (14), Glenn Phillips (12), and Michael Bracewell (2) in quick succession further dented New Zealand’s hopes.
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Williamson showed his trademark elegance, playing crisp strokes, but his resistance ended when Axar Patel bowled a fuller delivery that led to a sharp stumping by KL Rahul. With Williamson’s departure, India sealed the game.
With this victory, India now gear up to face Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday in Dubai, while New Zealand will meet South Africa in Lahore a day later.
