IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Final Live: New Zealand Strikes Another Huge Blow by Removing Rohit Sharma
In a cracking ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai on March 9, 2025, NZ has set India a target of 252/7 after winning the toss and batting first. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell both scored half centuries to help the team recover from a shaky start.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss against India making it the 12th time in a row that Indian captain Rohit Sharma lost the toss in an ODI match, which has left Indian captain Rohit Sharma stunned. The match started with New Zealand openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra taking it easy, adding 57 runs in 7.5 overs. But the Indian spinners got the better of them.
Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav were the wreckers in chief. Chakravarthy got 2 for 45 and Kuldeep got 2 for 40. They struck in quick succession to remove both openers—Young who scored 15 and Ravindra who scored 37. Then Kuldeep got rid of the experienced Kane Williamson for 11, leaving New Zealand in a pickle.
Ravindra Jadeja joined the attack and struck straight away to get rid of Tom Latham for 14. New Zealand were now 97 for 4 but Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips stabilised the innings with a valuable partnership. The two added 57 runs for the 5th wicket, with Mitchell showing his grit and skill.
Mitchell got to his fifty, scoring 63 and was the guide for New Zealand to a competitive total. Phillips scored 34 before Chakravarthy got him at a crucial juncture which could have shifted the momentum back in India’s favour.
As the innings progressed Michael Bracewell came in and provided the much needed acceleration in the end. He scored 53 in quick time, hitting boundaries and sixes and took New Zealand to a good finish. New Zealand finished their innings 251 for 7 and set a tough target for India.
With the Indian bowlers, especially the spinners, having made significant inroads into the New Zealand top order the stage is set for a thrilling chase as India takes the field. The outcome of this match will depend on how the Indian batsmen respond to the pressure and if they can overcome the early loss of their captain Rohit Sharma, who got out at a crucial juncture of the game.
