India won a thrilling 44 run match against New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai with Shreyas Iyer’s half century and Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant bowling. This win topped India to Group A and set up a big semi final against Australia.

Shreyas Iyer, under pressure, batted well and scored 79 off 98 balls. After a tough start where India were 30 for 3, Iyer’s innings was the glue that held the innings together and helped India post 249 for 9. His partnership with Axar Patel for the 4th wicket was the turning point of the innings. Axar scored 42 off 61 and Hardik Pandya chipped in with 45 off 45 towards the end to take India to a decent total.

New Zealand’s Bowling Challenge

Henry’s 5 for 42 kept India at bay. His ability to make the ball talk and take early wickets had India on the back foot but Iyer’s calm head and strategic batting kept the innings together.

New Zealand’s batting line up, known for its depth and solidity, faced a mountain to climb against India’s spin heavy attack. Varun Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, 5 for 42, he tore the New Zealand batting apart. The Indian spinners, Jadeja and Kuldeep, bowled well and exploited the conditions to good effect.

Williamson’s Lone Battle

Williamson batted hard for 81 but had no support from his mates. After a 44 run partnership for the 3rd wicket with Daryl Mitchell, Williamson’s dismissal by Kuldeep Yadav was the turning point of the game. The Kiwi innings fell apart after that with wickets falling in quick succession – Tom Latham (14), Glenn Phillips (12), Michael Bracewell (2).

Williamson’s batting was the highlight of the New Zealand innings – he was playing some lovely shots and placing the ball neatly but his dismissal, caught behind off Axar Patel, effectively sealed the game for India. The Kiwis were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, 44 short of the target.

Indian Spinners Dominate

The Indian spinners were impressive throughout the game, with Chakravarthy leading the charge. His relentless hitting of the stumps and his ability to keep the New Zealand batsmen under pressure was the decisive factor. Ravindra Jadeja’s turn off the pitch added to New Zealand’s woes as the Indian bowlers executed their plans to perfection.

Now India will face Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday in Dubai and New Zealand will face South Africa in the other semifinal on Wednesday in Lahore. With this win India showed their character and their ability to perform under pressure, setting up a thrilling knockout stage of the tournament.