India beats New Zealand by 44 runs to reach semi-finals of Champions Trophy

India beat New Zealand in the last Group A match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by 44 runs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India topped the Group A by winning the game and arranged an eagerly awaited semi-final match with Australia.

Match Summary

India’s Innings

India, after being requested to bat first, managed a gritty score of 249/9 in their 50 overs.

• Shreyas Iyer was the top run-getter with a well-worked 79 runs.
• Axar Patel made a timely 42 runs, keeping the middle overs going.
• Matt Henry was New Zealand’s best bowler with the ball, returning fantastic figures of 5/42, putting pressure on the Indian batsmen.

New Zealand’s Chase

Chasing 250 for a win, New Zealand’s team never had the momentum, as they were bowled out for 205 runs in 45.3 overs.

• Kane Williamson fought with a spirited 81-run effort but could not get support from the other end.
• India’s bowling unit was too powerful, with debutant Varun Chakravarthy taking center stage.

Varun Chakravarthy Shines on Debut

Debutant mystery bowler Varun Chakravarthy put the game in India’s hands with a match-winning spell of 5/42. His power to disrupt important partnerships tore New Zealand’s middle order apart, and he was rewarded with the Player of the Match.

What’s Next?

With this victory, India will play against Australia in the semi-finals, whereas New Zealand will play South Africa in Lahore. Now, the world of cricket expects these tight games to find the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 finalists.