India officially booked a Champions Trophy semifinal showdown with Australia after a clinical 44-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai, where their bold decision to field four specialist spinners paid rich dividends. Leading the charge was Varun Chakaravarthy, who registered his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, helping India successfully defend a modest total of 249. The surface, offering significant grip and turn, allowed India’s spin quartet to dismantle New Zealand’s batting lineup, collectively picking up nine wickets for 156 runs.
New Zealand, needing 250 to win, relied heavily on Kane Williamson, who fought valiantly for his 81 off 120 balls, surviving three dropped chances along the way. However, as the asking rate mounted, he perished trying to take on Axar Patel, effectively sealing India’s dominance. The spinners, particularly Varun, consistently attacked the stumps, leading to four LBW dismissals and suffocating New Zealand’s middle order.
Before India’s spinners took over, it was Matt Henry who initially stole the limelight with a brilliant 5 for 42, reminiscent of his match-winning spell against India in the 2019 World Cup semifinal. His early strikes removed Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, reducing India to 30 for 3 inside the first 10 overs. However, a crucial 98-run stand between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel stabilized the innings. Iyer, continuing his excellent record against New Zealand, top-scored with 79, while Axar chipped in with a handy 42.
Despite losing quick wickets in the middle overs, Hardik Pandya’s crucial 45, along with Ravindra Jadeja’s late resistance, pushed India to a competitive 249 in their 50 overs. Henry returned in the final over to pick up two more wickets, completing his five-wicket haul, but his efforts were overshadowed by India’s spin masterclass in the second innings.
New Zealand will now head to Lahore to face South Africa in the second semifinal, while India march on to a high-stakes clash against Australia, bolstered by the confidence of their dominant bowling display.
