India defeat New Zealand by 44 runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage match in Dubai

India secured a comprehensive 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 2, finishing top of the group and confirming a semi-final meeting with Australia. Batting first after losing the toss for a record-extending 13th consecutive ODI, India posted 249 for 9 from their 50 overs on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers. Shreyas Iyer provided the backbone of the innings with 79 off 98 balls, demonstrating composure under pressure after India slumped to 30 for 3 in the powerplay. Hardik Pandya contributed 45 off 45 balls in the lower order, while Axar Patel added a valuable 42 to push the total toward a competitive mark. New Zealand seamer Matt Henry produced a career-defining spell, claiming 5 for 42 to limit India's scoring. His victims included Virat Kohli, dismissed for 9 after a spectacular diving catch by Glenn Phillips at cover, along with Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Pandya, and Mohammed Shami. New Zealand's chase began with early trouble when Rachin Ravindra fell to a short delivery from Pandya. Kane Williamson anchored the innings with 81 off 120 balls, building steady partnerships through the middle overs. However, India's four-pronged spin attack gradually tightened the grip on proceedings. Varun Chakravarthy proved the decisive factor on his Champions Trophy debut, returning figures of 5 for 42. The mystery spinner dismissed Will Young in the powerplay before dismantling the lower order with the wickets of Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry. When Axar Patel bowled Williamson with the final ball of his allocation, stumped by wicketkeeper KL Rahul, New Zealand's challenge effectively ended. They were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs. The victory confirmed India as Group A winners with six points from three matches. New Zealand finished second with four points and will travel to Lahore for their semi-final against South Africa on March 5. India face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on March 4. Chakravarthy was named Player of the Match, becoming only the third Indian to take five wickets in a Champions Trophy innings.