India Beats New Zealand to Stay Unbeaten Before Semi-Finals

India on Sunday wrapped up the group stage with a 44-run win over New Zealand, setting up a Champions Trophy semi-final clash with Australia. Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul stole the show as New Zealand fell short chasing 250 in Dubai.

Batting first, India posted 249-9 in 50 overs. Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 79, while Hardik Pandya (45) and Axar Patel (42) added crucial runs. Matt Henry was New Zealand’s best bowler, taking 5-42 and removing Virat Kohli for just 11 in his 300th ODI. Kohli fell to a stunning one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips at backward point.

New Zealand’s chase never really got going. Kane Williamson fought hard with 81 off 120 balls, but wickets kept tumbling. Chakravarthy took 5-42 in just his second ODI, completely dismantling the batting lineup. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with key wickets.

India’s captain Rohit Sharma called Chakravarthy’s performance a “good headache” ahead of the semi-final. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised Henry’s efforts but admitted they were outplayed.

With the semi-finals set, India will face Australia in Dubai on Tuesday, while New Zealand takes on South Africa in Lahore a day later.

Player Score Report Card

• Varun Chakravarthy – 9 (Match-winning five-wicket haul)
• Shreyas Iyer – 8 (Top-scored with 79, steady knock)
• Hardik Pandya – 7.5 (Crucial 45 at the end)
• Axar Patel – 7 (Valuable 42 and a wicket)
• Kuldeep Yadav – 6.5 (Took two wickets, kept things tight)
• Ravindra Jadeja – 6 (One wicket and good fielding)
• Virat Kohli – 4 (Dismissed for 11, not his day, not 100% fit)