India vs New Zealand Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter at the Champions Trophy, India secured a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand, finishing with 249 runs. Despite a shaky start, with India at 30/3, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings.
New Zealand struggled in their chase, collapsing to 205, with Varun Chakravarthy shining with a remarkable five-wicket haul. India’s spinners dominated, restricting the Kiwis on a turning pitch. The win propels India into the semi-finals, where they will face Australia, setting the stage for an exciting knockout clash.
First Innings: Shreyas Iyer led the charge after India lost quick wickets
Rohit Sharma, leading the side, aimed to set a strong foundation after losing the toss and being put to bat first. Shubman Gill was trapped LBW early on, and then Rohit skewed a pull shot towards the mid-wicket fielder. Kohli was dismissed thanks to a splendid catch by Phillips at backward point, leaving India at 30/3 at one stage.
India recovered through Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, who combined for a good partnership, although they batted too slowly. Axar was dismissed due to another sharp catch from New Zealand, and Santner got the wicket of KL Rahul shortly after. Iyer scored a fifty but fell to a short ball after several successful shots. Hardik Pandya contributed a run-a-ball 45, giving India a late dash in the slog overs to help them reach 249.
Second Innings: Varun Chakravarthy shines on Champions Trophy debut
New Zealand’s innings began on a shaky note, losing opener Rachin Ravindra early to a spectacular catch by Axar Patel. Kane Williamson fought valiantly, scoring 81 runs off 120 balls, but lacked support from the middle order as wickets tumbled around him.
Varun Chakravarthy was the standout bowler for India, claiming five wickets for just 42 runs, marking a remarkable performance in his second ODI. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also contributed significantly, with Yadav taking two wickets and Patel claiming one, including the crucial wicket of Williamson, who was stumped in a pivotal moment of the match.
New Zealand’s innings crumbled under the pressure of India’s spinners, with the team ultimately bowled out for 205 runs. This victory propelled India into the semi-finals against Australia.
India vs New Zealand Performances & Player of the Match
Shreyas Iyer (India)
- Iyer scored 79 runs off 98 balls, showcasing a mix of aggressive shots and careful placements, including four boundaries and two sixes.
- He was eventually dismissed by William O’Rourke, caught by Will Young after miscuing a short ball.
- Iyer’s innings was marked by a solid partnership and a good run of form in the tournament.
Varun Chakaravarthy (India)
- He delivered an impressive performance, taking five wickets, including key dismissals of Will Young and Michael Bracewell.
- He bowled the second-best bowling figure on Champions Trophy debut.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
- Williamson played a resilient innings, scoring 81 runs off 120 balls, showcasing his ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries when needed.
- He hit seven fours, demonstrating his skill against both spin and pace bowlers.
- His innings ended with a stumping off Axar Patel, which likely marked a turning point in the match for New Zealand.
Matt Henry (New Zealand)
- Henry was the most successful bowler for the Kiwis in this game and delivered one of the best performances in the tournament.
- Henry took five wickets for 42 runs in eight overs.
India vs New Zealand Match Summary
In a gripping Champions Trophy clash, India triumphed over New Zealand by 44 runs, posting 249 runs after a rocky start at 30/3. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel anchored the innings, leading to a competitive total.
New Zealand faltered in their chase, bowled out for 205, with Varun Chakravarthy claiming a stunning five-wicket haul. India’s spinners dominated, exploiting the turning pitch effectively. The victory secured India a spot in the semi-finals, where they will face Australia.
