Champions Trophy 2025: India’s comprehensive win secures semi-final clash with Australia

In a dominant performance in the 12th match of the Champions Trophy 2025, India comprehensively defeated New Zealand by 44 runs at the Dubai Stadium on Sunday.

India posted a total of 249-9, and New Zealand, chasing a target of 250, was dismissed for 205 in 45.3 overs. Varun Chakravarthy was the standout performer for India, claiming 5 wickets for 42 runs, while Shreyas Iyer played a key role with the bat, scoring a patient 79 off 98 balls.

His knock included four boundaries and two sixes, guiding India to a competitive total after early setbacks.

Earlier, New Zealand's bowling attack, led by Matt Henry, restricted India to a modest score. Henry took 5 wickets for 42 runs, while Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra each claimed a wicket.

In reply, New Zealand's batting crumbled under pressure. Kane Williamson fought valiantly with a solid 81 off 120 balls, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to make an impact. Will Young (22), Rachin Ravindra (6), Daryl Mitchell (17), Tom Latham (14), Glenn Phillips (12), and Michael Bracewell (2) were all dismissed cheaply.

Kyle Jamieson’s late unbeaten 9 off 4 balls, including a six, was a brief respite.

India’s win confirmed their place in the first semi-final, where they will face Australia at the same venue on Tuesday, March 4.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will head to Pakistan to take on South Africa in the second semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5.