Photos Courtesy: icc-cricket.com
March 2, 2025 – Dubai
In a thrilling Group A encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, India secured a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand, showcasing remarkable resilience with the bat and a disciplined bowling effort. Batting first, India faced early setbacks as Rohit Sharma (15), Shubman Gill (2), and Virat Kohli (11) departed cheaply, leaving the team struggling at 30/3. However, a crucial 98-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings, steering India back into contention. Iyer played a composed knock of 79 off 98 balls, anchoring the recovery, while Patel’s brisk 42 off 61 deliveries proved vital. Hardik Pandya further accelerated the innings with a quickfire 45 at a run-a-ball pace, helping India reach a competitive total of 249/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Matt Henry was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers, delivering an impressive five-wicket haul.
New Zealand’s chase was derailed by India’s relentless bowling attack. Despite a fighting knock from Kane Williamson, who scored a determined 81 off 120 balls, the Kiwi batting lineup struggled to maintain momentum under sustained pressure. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav kept the scoring rate in check, while Varun Chakravarthy emerged as the game-changer, wreaking havoc with his brilliant 5/42. His spell dismantled New Zealand’s middle order and earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award. A crucial turning point came when Axar Patel took a stunning catch to dismiss Rachin Ravindra, further tilting the game in India’s favor.
With this victory, India finishes atop Group A and advances to the semi-finals, where they will face Australia on March 4. Demonstrating both depth and composure under pressure, India enters the knockout stage with strong momentum and confidence.
