Cricket Highlights, March 02: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (12th Match) – IND vs NZ

IND vs NZ (12th Match) – Highlights

IND secured a convincing 44-run victory over NZ in the 12th match of Group A at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. A dominant bowling display from Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul, dismantled the New Zealand batting order after India posted a competitive 249/9 in their 50 overs.

Opting to bat first, IND had a shaky start, losing both openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill early to Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, respectively. Virat Kohli also fell cheaply, leaving India struggling at 30/3 inside seven overs. 

However, a crucial partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel helped India rebuild. Iyer played a composed knock of 79 from 98 balls, finding gaps and rotating the strike effectively, while Axar Patel contributed a vital 42 from 61 deliveries. Their 98-run stand steadied the innings before Patel fell to Rachin Ravindra.

India’s middle order added valuable runs, with KL Rahul making 23 and Hardik Pandya playing a crucial counter-attacking innings of 45 from 45 balls. Pandya’s aggressive stroke play ensured India reached a respectable total. However, Matt Henry’s outstanding bowling effort, which included five wickets for 42 runs, prevented India from posting an even bigger score. Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke also chipped in with a wicket each, restricting India to 249/9 at the end of their 50 overs.

Chasing 250, NZ got off to a rocky start as they lost Rachin Ravindra early to Hardik Pandya. Will Young attempted to build a foundation but was undone by Varun Chakravarthy, who struck in his first spell. The experienced Kane Williamson anchored the innings with a well-compiled 81 off 120 balls, holding the New Zealand chase together. However, he found little support from the middle order. Daryl Mitchell (17) and Tom Latham (14) got starts but failed to convert them into significant contributions.

Varun Chakravarthy turned the game completely in India’s favor with a match-winning spell, picking up five wickets for 42 runs. He outfoxed Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, breaking the back of New Zealand’s batting. Kuldeep Yadav provided crucial support, taking two wickets, including the final scalp of Will O’Rourke to seal the win.

Despite a late cameo from Santner, who scored a quick 28, and a brief flourish from Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, falling short by 44 runs. Chakravarthy’s brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, and his spell was instrumental in India’s commanding win.

With this victory, India strengthened their position in Group A, showcasing a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball. New Zealand, under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner, will need to regroup and bounce back strongly in their remaining fixtures.

IND vs NZ Scoreboard 

India – 249/9 (50)

New Zealand – 194/5 (45.3/50)

Result – India won by 44 runs

Player of the match – Varun Chakravarthy

IND vs NZ Playing XIs 

India

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.

New Zealand

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke.

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

Want to stay ahead in the world of Cricket? Explore our comprehensive Match Highlights, insightful analysis, and the latest updates on all your favorite fixtures and more at BjSports. Don’t miss out and dive into the action now!

angelo

See Full Bio