Dubai: Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy starred with a match-winning five-wicket haul as India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A clash of the ICC Champions Trophy here on Sunday.
The win propelled India to the top of Group A, setting up a semifinal encounter against Australia here on March 4.
Defending a modest total of 249 for 9, India’s spinners turned the game around, with Chakravarthy returning figures of 5 for 42, while Kuldeep Yadav (2/56) and Axar Patel (1/32) provided key breakthroughs.
New Zealand, despite a fighting 81 from Kane Williamson, were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
Chakravarthy's introduction into the attack rattled the Kiwi middle order. He claimed his first victim in the 12th over, knocking over Will Young (22) with a deceptive delivery.
The spinner continued his rampage, dismissing Glenn Phillips (12) and Michael Bracewell (2) leg before in quick succession before cleaning up New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner (28) with a skidding delivery. His final strike came when Matt Henry (4) was caught by Virat Kohli.
Kuldeep provided the finishing touch, bowling number 11 William O’Rourke (1) with a classic googly, triggering celebrations among India players.
Chasing 250, New Zealand struggled to build partnerships. Williamson anchored the innings with a composed 81 off 120 balls, but lacked support from the other end. Tom Latham (14), Daryl Mitchell (17), and Phillips (12) all failed to capitalise on their starts as India’s spinners applied relentless pressure.
Earlier, Axar Patel struck a crucial blow by removing Williamson via stumping, leaving New Zealand reeling at 169 for 7. With his departure, New Zealand’s hopes faded despite some late hitting from Santner.
Put in to bat, India had a shaky start, losing Shubman Gill (2), Virat Kohli (11), and Rohit Sharma (15) inside the first 10 overs. However, Shreyas Iyer’s patient 79 (98 balls) helped stabilise the innings. Axar Patel (42) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls) provided crucial contributions in the latter half, ensuring India reached a competitive total.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry was the standout bowler with figures of 5 for 42, his best in Champions Trophy history. Kyle Jamieson (1/31), William O’Rourke (1/47), and Santner (1/41) chipped in with wickets, but India’s late surge proved decisive.