India vs. New Zealand: India Clinches Victory in Champions Trophy Group Stage

India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the final group match of the Champions Trophy, securing a semi-final berth against Australia. The match, played in Dubai, saw India defend a total of 249, bowling out New Zealand for 205.

Match Summary

New Zealand, electing to field, initially restricted India to 249 for nine. Matt Henry was the standout bowler, claiming five wickets for 42 runs, supported by sharp catching from the New Zealand team. Shreyas Iyer top-scored for India with 79, while Axar Patel contributed 42 and Hardik Pandya added 45. Despite these efforts, India’s total appeared below par.

However, India’s bowlers, particularly Varun Chakravarthy, turned the tide. Chakravarthy’s impressive spell of 5 for 42 dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup. Kane Williamson’s resilient 81 kept New Zealand in the hunt, but the mounting required run rate and a collapse of the lower order led to their downfall. The last seven wickets fell for just 72 runs.

Key Performances

• Shreyas Iyer: Top-scored for India with 79 runs.
• Axar Patel: Contributed a valuable 42 runs.
• Hardik Pandya: Added 45 runs at a run-a-ball.
• Matt Henry: Took 5 wickets for 42 runs for New Zealand.
• Kane Williamson: Scored a classy 81 for New Zealand.
• Varun Chakravarthy: Claimed 5 wickets for 42 runs, playing a crucial role in India’s victory.

Chakravarthy’s Dream Debut

Varun Chakravarthy’s performance was particularly noteworthy. Making his Champions Trophy debut, he overcame initial nerves to deliver a match-winning spell. Chakravarthy acknowledged the support from senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya, who helped him calm his nerves and focus on his bowling.

Chakravarthy reflected on his journey, noting the differences between bowling in T20s and ODIs. He emphasized the importance of sequencing his deliveries and adapting to the longer format, drawing on his experience in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

“The first spell of mine… I was a little nervous because the previous things, the emotions and all were playing whatever happened in the last three (four) years before at this ground. Little bit was playing with me and I was trying to keep it down, control it. But Virat bhai, Rohit and even Hardik, they were telling me to calm down, calm down. They were coming and talking to me. That really helped,” said Varun in the post-match presser.

Strategic Context

India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai, opting not to travel to Pakistan, added another layer to the tournament’s dynamics. With this win, India is set to face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai. New Zealand will play South Africa in Lahore.

Looking Ahead

India’s victory was hard-fought, highlighting both their batting resilience and bowling prowess. The performance of Varun Chakravarthy has given the team management a pleasant selection dilemma ahead of the semi-final clash against Australia. His ability to take wickets and control the game in the middle overs will be vital as India aims to secure a spot in the final.

“It is the patience game. You just need to wait it out and make – in such slow wickets you don’t get as in a quick, the ball doesn’t turn fast, it turns slow. So, you need to wait it out and it just happens, if it’s your day it happens to you,” says Varun.