IND vs NZ: India's spin tactics in Champions Trophy final second most in knockouts

Dubai: India and New Zealand scripted a spin-dominated encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, with the 38 overs of spin bowled by India marking the second-most in a Champions Trophy knockout game.

The 38 overs of spin bowled by India in the final stands just behind Sri Lanka’s 39.4 overs against Australia in the 2002 semi-final at Colombo RPS. Another high-spin innings in the ongoing tournament saw India bowl 37.3 overs of spin against New Zealand in an earlier encounter at Dubai, ranking third on the all-time list. The 1998 quarter-final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Dhaka featured 36.5 overs of spin.

India’s 38-over spin effort also places it among the most spin-heavy performances in ODI history by the team. The record for most overs of spin bowled by India in an ODI stands at 41.2 against the West Indies in Indore, 2011, followed by 39 overs against Kenya in Gwalior, 1998.

The Champions Trophy 2025 final also highlighted the contrast between pace and spin effectiveness. While India’s pacers returned figures of 1/104 in 12 overs at an economy rate of 8.67, the spinners were significantly more economical, conceding 144 runs in 38 overs at an economy rate of 3.79, claiming five wickets in the process.

Mohammed Shami’s expensive outing, conceding 74 runs, was the second-highest by an Indian bowler in a Champions Trophy match. Umesh Yadav holds the unwanted record for most runs conceded by an Indian in the tournament, having returned figures of 2/75 against South Africa in Cardiff, 2013.

The innings progression underscored the fluctuating nature of the game. The first 10 overs saw a brisk 69/1 at a run rate of 6.9. The middle phase (overs 11-40) was significantly slower, yielding 103/4 at 3.43. However, a late flourish in the final 10 overs added 79/2 at a run rate of 7.9, ensuring a competitive total.