India wrapped up their group stage campaign with a comprehensive win over New Zealand in Dubai, booking a mouth-watering semi-final clash against familiar foes Australia. With the 2023 World Cup final still fresh in fans’ memories, this ICC knockout encounter promises fireworks.
🔥 Match Recap
India were in early trouble at 30/3 before Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship with a composed knock. Hardik Pandya provided the finishing flourish to take India to a defendable total. In reply, New Zealand crumbled against India’s spin quartet, with debutant Varun Chakaravarthy stealing the show with a five-wicket haul.
🏆 Player of the Match: Varun Chakaravarthy
 "India Outclass New Zealand, Set Up Semi-Final Showdown With Australia | CT 2025 2")
“I was nervous early on, but Virat, Rohit, and others helped me settle. The pitch wasn’t a rank turner, but control brought rewards. Happy to contribute in a total team effort.”
🎙️ Captain Quotes
🗣️ Rohit Sharma (India):
“Good to finish strong. From 30/3 to a good total, we showed character. Our bowling unit has the quality to defend. Varun brings something different, and we’ve got some great headaches now ahead of the semi-final.”
🗣️ Mitch Santner (New Zealand):
“The pitch was slower than expected. India bowled well, especially the spinners. We couldn’t find momentum. Lahore will be different, and Henry will be key against South Africa’s pace-heavy attack.”
📊 Key Stats & Records
- India’s 9 spinner wickets today is a Champions Trophy record for most by spinners in a single innings.
- Chakaravarthy’s 5/42 is the second-best for India in CT history, after Jadeja’s 5/36 (2013).
- He also became the earliest Indian to take a five-fer in ODI career (2nd match), breaking Stuart Binny’s record.
- This match saw two five-wicket hauls – a first in Champions Trophy history.
📅 Semi-Final Match-Ups
With the group stages done and dusted, here’s what the semi-finals look like:
- India vs Australia – Dubai
- South Africa vs New Zealand – Lahore
India and Australia meet in an ODI for the first time since that unforgettable night in Ahmedabad, November 2023. While this match may not carry the same emotional weight, an ICC knockout between two giants is always a spectacle.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have a quick turnaround to face South Africa’s intimidating pace attack on the bouncier Lahore surface. Expect a tactical battle with high stakes.
Categories: Cricket, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match Reports
Tags: IND vs NZ 2025, Chakaravarthy five-for, India spinners, India vs Australia semi-final, Rohit Sharma, Champions Trophy stats, CT 2025 semi-final fixtures
