In Cricket, India defeats New Zealand while chasing a target of 252 runs in the summit clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. India began their chase aggressively, but New Zealand struck back with disciplined bowling. The pitch remains on the slower side, with the ball gripping and stopping, making stroke play challenging.
The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a blistering start, stitching together a 105-run partnership for the first wicket. World No. 1 batter Shubman Gill fought hard for his 31 before Glenn Phillips took a stunning catch at extra cover. Soon after, star batter Virat Kohli was trapped LBW by Michael Bracewell for just one run. Rohit, who got off the blocks quickly, registered his first fifty of the championship but was eventually stumped for 76 after New Zealand built pressure with a series of dot balls.
Earlier, opting to bat in spin-friendly conditions, New Zealand managed to score 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a crucial 63-run knock. Towards the end, Michael Bracewell provided a late flourish with a quickfire, unbeaten 51 off 39 deliveries. For India, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each.
Earlier, the Black Caps got off to a flying start, but Indian spinners pulled things back by taking wickets at regular intervals. Varun got the breakthrough wicket for Men in Blue, dismissing Will Young, who was given out LBW. Later, Kuldeep struck immediately, taking the crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra, the tournament’s double-centurion, with a googly on the very first ball of his spell.
He then backed it up by dismissing former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who was caught and bowled. Ravindra Jadeja joined the party, trapping Tom Latham LBW. Varun then clean bowled Phillips when New Zealand were looking to up the ante. Mohammed Shami then dismissed Mitchell in the death overs, while New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner was run out while attempting a quick double. However, Bracewell’s power-hitting helped New Zealand push their total past 250.
New Zealand have made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Nathan Smith in place of the injured Matt Henry, while India have fielded the same playing XI from their semifinal victory. India are aiming for its third Champions Trophy title, having previously won the tournament in 2002 and 2013.
